Italy full-back Ange Capuozzo, who played a starring role in the Azzurri’s win over Wales on Super Saturday of the 2022 Guinness Six Nations, has joined Toulouse from Grenoble.
Capuozzo, 23, made a scintillating break at the Principality Stadium before passing inside to the supporting Edoardo Padavani who raced under the sticks to ensure Paolo Garbisi’s match-winning conversion was virtually unmissable as Italy secured a famous victory in Round 5.
The speedster made his international debut as a replacement against Scotland in Round 4 and immediately made a big impression by scoring two tries and will play Top 14 rugby next season after penning a deal until 2025 with the reigning Heineken Champions Cup champions.
Capuozzo said: “I am very happy to open a new page by signing for Toulouse.
“I feel a lot of excitement as I approach this change in my personal and professional life. I wanted to sign with a club that would allow me to improve my game and I think I have chosen the ideal place for that.”
Capuozzo signed for Grenoble in May 2019 when they were still a top-flight club but after their 2020 relegation, has impressed with some dazzling displays in Pro D2.
Toulouse are well stocked in the back three despite the retirement of Maxime Medard with France full-back Melvyn Jaminet arriving from Perpignan and fellow Les Bleus No.15 Thomas Ramos already on the books.
And Toulouse have seen enough to lure the youngster to the Stade Ernest-Wallon with club president Didier Lacroix comparing him to legendary winger Vincent Clerc.
Lacroix said: “Like a certain Vincent Clerc, also from Grenoble, Ange has the ideal profile to play at Toulouse.
“We have already had a glimpse of his talent by following his performances in Pro D2 and we are now looking forward to seeing how he will integrate into the group and the game plan established by the staff.”
