MUDBLOOD & THUNDER

Sione references Harry Potter as he tells of love for Italians but insists: I still want to batter them

- GRAEME MACPHERSON

SIONE TUIPULOTU admits he loves the Italian lifestyle - but can't wait to beat them on the rugby field.

The Scotland captain has a grandfather from Calabria and loves coming to Rome on holiday.

The Glasgow centre could have played for Italy, Australia or Tonga due to his mixed heritage and jokes he's like a mudblood from Harry Potter.

But he's more than happy that he elected to play for Scotland.

And he's fired up to lead them to Six Nations glory in the Olympic Stadium this afternoon.

Tuipulotu said: "My mum's father is from Calabria so that's my nonno.

"My middle name's actually named after him, Ippolito. So it's quite funny.

"Every time I come through customs here they're looking at my passport.

"Obviously my first and last name have a Tongan background. Then they look at my middle name and they're like: 'OK?'

"My nonno is probably the most stereotypical Italian gentleman you could probably get.