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Rugby Union

Bortolami signs Gloucester deal

19/11/2007

Lock Marco Bortolami has signed a contract extension with Guinness Premiership side Gloucester to keep him at the club until at least 2010.

The Italy captain, who led his national side to within one victory of the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup in the autumn, arrived at Kingsholm from Narbonne last year.

His original deal was for two years but he has been impressive since joining the club and has been rewarded with an extended contract.

"What can I say - Gloucester is my new home, my new life and my passion - for me to be able to stay for another two years is fantastic," he said.

"We made great progress last season and now it is up to us to build on it and create something very special in Gloucester's history.

"I believe in what we are trying to achieve and in Dean Ryan's philosophy for the team. We are young, we are ambitious and we want to be successful."

The 27-year-old has captained the Azzurri since 2003 when, at 23, he became the youngest player to lead the national side.

He has won 64 caps in his career to date and is described by the club as "one of the best locks in the world".

Head coach Ryan added: "When Marco arrived at the club from Narbonne we believed he had the qualities to become a world-class second row, not only as a player but also as an individual.

"It delights me we have such a player within our squad."