Aironi sign Bergamasco in time for Ulster clash

Mauro Bergamasco has signed for Aironi until the end of the season with an option for a second year.

The Italian International flanker will join the Viadana-based side from Monday and will be added to the Heineken Cup list in place of the injured Nick Williams.

He can make his debut with the black and silver jersey in Monza against Ulster on Saturday December 17 or a week later, on Friday 23 when Aironi host Treviso in the first Italian derby of the RaboDirect PRO12.

"After eight years in France I have come back to Italy to bring my experience and my will to continue to play at the highest level with the Aironi squad", Mauro Bergamasco said.

"I’m really excited for the opportunity to play in what is a really new competition for me as the RaboDirect PRO12 is, and the opportunity to do this with an Italian team that is young and ambitious, where I find a lot of team-mates with the Azzurri and a number of young talents who can represent the future of Aironi and Italy both during the next seasons.

"I never hide my will to continue to play in a big European championship, and to do it with an Italian team represents to my eyes a new great motivation."