The joy of five for flankers Mauro Bergamasco and Ovidiu Tonita
Italian and Romanian pair to join Samoa’s Brian Lima in elite Rugby World Cup club
It takes a constitution of iron and the determination of a marathon runner, but Italy’s Mauro Bergamasco and Romania’s Ovidiu Toniţa are set to join a select rugby elite who have been to five World Cups.
Thirty-six-year-old flanker Bergamasco and Toniţa, one year younger, will match Samoan great Brian “The Chiropractor” Lima on five tournaments.
They could even play against each other as Italy and Romania are both in pool D against France, Ireland and Canada.
Sixteen years ago ... it was tough just thinking about playing in my first World Cup. I have had to do a lot to reach this fifth one
"Sixteen years ago I certainly wouldn't have thought it possible, it was just tough thinking about playing in my first World Cup," said Bergamasco who has won 104 caps for Italy.
"I have had to do a lot to reach this fifth one; I've worked hard and I have had the support of the other players and the staff.
"Now I am here, my objective is to play, to help the group and hopefully we can enjoy ourselves," said Bergamasco whose only disappointment is that little brother Mirco is not with him.
Mirco has missed out on his fourth World Cup having been dropped by coach Jacques Brunel in 2012.
Weights, stretching and press-ups have been part of the regime that has helped Romanian legend Toniţa roll back the years and fight off younger rivals for his flanker post.