Andrea Lo Cicero

Andrea Lo Cicero was born on May 7, 1976, in Catania, Sicily, Italy. He would go on to become one of the most well-known Italian rugby union players, known for his strength, skills, and contributions to the sport, as well as his larger-than-life personality on and off the field.

Andrea Lo Cicero made his debut for the Italian national rugby team on February 19, 2000, in a match against England during the Six Nations Championship. He played as a prop and became an essential part of Italy's front row in subsequent matches and tournaments, gaining recognition for his skills and experience.

On April 6, 2002, Andrea Lo Cicero scored his first try for Italy in the Six Nations Championship during a match against France. This was a significant moment in his career, highlighting his ability to contribute not just in scrummaging but also in open play, making him a versatile player for the national team.

Andrea Lo Cicero participated in the 2003 Rugby World Cup held in Australia. As part of the Italy squad, he played in all their pool matches, contributing his experience and skills to the team's efforts on the world stage, highlighting his status as a key player for Italy in major international tournaments.

Andrea Lo Cicero was part of the Italian squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup held in France. His experience as a veteran prop was crucial for Italy, as he played in multiple matches and helped bolster the team's performance during the tournament, showcasing his enduring skills and dedication to the sport.

In a thrilling match on February 14, 2009, Andrea Lo Cicero helped lead Italy to a historic victory over Scotland during the Six Nations Championship. His strong performance in the scrum and open play was instrumental in Italy's success, emphasizing his role as a pivotal player in the Italian rugby squad.

Andrea Lo Cicero played in a hard-fought match against England on February 28, 2010, in the Six Nations Championship. Although Italy did not win, Lo Cicero's performance was exemplary, demonstrating his skill and strength in the front row against one of the top teams in the tournament, earning him praise.

As a seasoned prop, Andrea Lo Cicero took part in his third Rugby World Cup in 2011, hosted by New Zealand. He played an important role in Italy's campaign, bringing leadership and experience to the side. Lo Cicero's performances in the tournament were commendable despite Italy not advancing past the pool stages.

On November 24, 2012, Andrea Lo Cicero was part of the Italy team that secured a victory over Tonga. Lo Cicero's experience and performance in the scrum were key to the team's win, further cementing his legacy as a vital player in Italy's rugby history and showcasing his enduring competitiveness even late in his career.

Andrea Lo Cicero retired from international rugby on March 16, 2013, after Italy's victory over Ireland in the Six Nations Championship. This marked the end of a long and successful international career in which he earned 103 caps, becoming one of Italy's most capped players and a respected figure in rugby.

After a prolific career, Andrea Lo Cicero retired from professional rugby on May 18, 2013. His retirement marked the end of a distinguished career in which he was celebrated as one of Italy's greatest rugby talents, known for his presence on the field and contributions to the sport both nationally and internationally.