Leeds swoop for Italian ace Persico
Tuesday, 27 May 2003 15:52Leeds today pulled off a major transfer coup by signing Italian back-row star Aaron Persico.
The 25-year-old produced a series of outstanding displays during this season's RBS 6 Nations Championship, and is among European rugby's hottest properties. Persico will join the Tykes next season from Italian side Viadana, after agreeing a two-year contract.
The 30 times-capped flanker was man of the match when Italy beat Wales in Rome last February, and played a key role during an impressive second-half showing against England at Twickenham.
And Leeds have added another forward to their ranks after qualifying for next season's Heineken Cup by recruiting Cardiff prop Gary Powell on a one-year contract.
Persico and Powell will join Leeds' other recent signings at Headingley next term - Phil Christophers, Duncan Hodge, Stuart Hooper, Simon Halford, Colm Rigney and Tim Walsh. "Aaron was Italy's top performer in the 6 Nations, and he is the type we needed to replace Cameron Mather," said Leeds rugby director Phil Davies.
"He's a little bit different to Cammie, but his work rate is phenomenal, and it will be great to see him and Dan Hyde working together."
Persico is New Zealand-born, but qualifies for the Azzurri through his Italian grandparents. Powell, meanwhile, has played for Wales Under-21s, and been part of Cardiff's first team squad for the past three seasons. "Gary is a very talented, young prop and he is looking forward to developing here with us," added Davies.
"He has impressed with his performances for Cardiff at such a young age for a prop (23), and I'm sure he has a bright future. The majority of players we are putting together are under the age of 25, so it bodes well. It's going to be hard for us in the Heineken Cup, but we are there and that's what counts. Now we have to have to do ourselves proud."
