Italy international Beatrice Rigoni joins Sale Sharks Women ahead of 2023/24 season
The 27-year-old joins Sharks from Italian side Valsugana Rugby Padova
Sale Sharks Women have signed versatile Italian international back Beatrice Rigoni from Valsugana Rugby Padova.
The 27-year-old, who is equally happy in the centre or at fly half, joins fellow Italian international Sara Tounesi in Rachel Taylor’s squad.
Beatrice made her international debut in the 2014 Women’s Six Nations at the age of 18, scoring her first try in a win against Scotland.
She’s gone on to make more than 50 appearances for her country and was part of the squad for the 2017 Women’s World Cup. She was also a key part of the Italian squad which reached the quarter-final of the delayed 2021 tournament.
Away from rugby, Beatrice studied pharmacy at the University of Ferrara, balancing her degree with training for the 2017 World Cup.
Beatrice said: “It was difficult to leave Valsugana because they have helped me grow both as a person and as an athlete and I could never thank them enough.
“But I felt that the time had come for a change and that I needed to test myself even more. Sale’s project is ambitious and I can’t wait to compete in the best league in the world where every match is of a really high level.
“Sara (Tounesi) spoke highly of the group and the staff and I think we could do interesting things this season. I’m joining a team with excellent potential and room for growth and I can’t wait to start.”
Sharks’ Women’s Performance Lead Katy Daley-Mclean said: “Beatrice is a top quality signing and we’re so happy that she has decided to become a Shark.
“It’s a big statement of intent for us and it’s really pleasing that she can see how much ambition there is here to build a really competitive squad.
“We have seen what Beatrice can do on the international stage for Italy. I’m confident she will bring a different dynamic to our attacking style and we can’t wait to see her in a Sharks shirt.”
