MAGNERS LEAGUE

News | Fixtures & Results | Tables

Sidoli chases his Italian dream

Tuesday 24th June 2008

Wet and wild: Sidoli is heading to Italy in search of a Test cap

Peter Sidoli is to leave the Dragons in favour of playing for Italian side Calvisano, as he looks to stake a claim to a Test career with the Azzurri.

The Dragons second row will move to the Italian Super 10 champions in August, where he will look to prove he is worthy of playing for Italy.

Brother of Robert Sidoli, who was a member of Wales' 2005 Grand Slam squad, Peter gained honours with Wales U21 but missed out on senior recognition due to injury - he toured Argentina and South Africa in 2004 but failed to win a cap.

Sidoli, who was born in Merthyr to Italian parents, is hoping that a strong season with Calvisano will enable him to force his way into Nick Mallett's squad.

The 28-year-old has said playing for Italy would fulfil a childhood dream.

"Growing up as part of a strong Italian family in South Wales, I always hoped that one day I may be able to move to Italy and make a living out of what I love doing," he told The Western Mail.

"To be able to play for such a successful Italian side is the stuff of dreams.

"I am confident that, given the calibre of the team, coaching staff, big challenges that will face me when I arrive.

"I am sure that it will make me a stronger player and that will be the case, both physically and mentally.

"I have learnt so much over the last few years with the Dragons under the guidance of Jim McCreedy.

"So I hope that I can bring what I have learnt to Calvisano, as well as learning from my new team."

Sidoli leaves the Dragons having made 114 appearances for the East Wales region, and now hopes he can catch the eye of the Italian selectors.

"I think I'll notice the biggest difference in training - the change from a notoriously damp and cold South Wales to the dry heat of an Italian climate will take a bit of getting used to, but I am sure it can only be a change for the better," Sidoli added.

"I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into the Italian way of playing rugby, adapting to their style and, hopefully, learning a lot that I can give back to the team along the way.

"Picking up the language again may be a totally different challenge though, to be honest."