Italy prop Lo Cicero to retire from international rugby

ByReuters

Updated 15/03/2013 at 15:32 GMT

Italy loosehead prop Andrea Lo Cicero will retire from international rugby after making a national record 103rd appearance for his country in Saturday's Six Nations championship match against Ireland.

Andrea Lo Cicero Italy

Image credit: Eurosport

Lo Cicero, 36, overtook scrumhalf Alessandro Troncon's previous record of 101 caps in last month's loss to Wales. He was a member of the 1999 Italian World Cup squad but did not make his international debut until the following year against England.

"I would have liked to have played in my fifth World Cup in 2015," the Sicilian told reporters on Friday.

"However I will be 39 when the team flies to England, so it's time to leave space for the youngsters, of whom there are plenty.

Six Nations

France are totally different challenge, says England coach Stuart Lancaster

16/03/2015 at 15:07

"Saturday's match will be my last for Italy and at the end of the season I will quit playing rugby.

"I've had it all as an Italy player and I've had 14 unforgettable years, I want to thank all the coaches and team mates who shared my time in the national side."

Six Nations

Samson Lee set for assessment ahead of Italy clash

16/03/2015 at 15:04

Six Nations

Wales take to the air to plot Ireland downfall

13/03/2015 at 18:16

Six Nations

Scotland's Alex Dunbar ruled out for rest of season

12/03/2015 at 16:05

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download

Scan me