RISING STARS

RISING STARS - EDOARDO TODARO, MADDIE FLUTEY

-  JOE HARVEY

1 EDOARDO TODARO

AGE 19 (24 SEPT 2006) // BORN MILAN // POSITION CENTRE OR WING // CLUB NORTHAMPTON SAINTS // COUNTRY ITALY

How did you get into rugby? Because of my dad. I was playing football and I wanted a change. My dad used to play rugby and he told me to give it a go.

What made you stick with rugby? I wasn't a bad footballer. It just wasn't giving me the right vibes, so I went to try something new at CUS Milano Rugby. Rugby was more fun. You got more adrenaline.

What positions did you play? When I was really young, there were no positions. Eventually I started to play centre because we started playing 13 v 13. Then I moved to ten when I was in my first year in England. Then I was moved to centre, then to fullback and then on the wing. In the past six years I have played every position apart from nine.

Did you play any other sports growing up? Outside of school, I did rowing for a bit, swimming and some athletics. Then football with my mates.

When was your first rep game for Italy? Three summers ago in a tournament against Ireland, Wales and Scotland over in Wales. We didn't sing the national anthem, so I don't think it hit me as hard as I thought it would. When we played our first official game in November the same year, it was a lot more emotional with my family watching.

Who was your hero growing up? I have two people I've looked up to my whole life - my parents. My mum has always worked hard, providing for the family. And my dad. They tried to teach me to explore and expand my mind. I'm also really close to my grandpa.