Sport
rugby •
Confessions from a prop: “Rugby is pure truth”. Interview with Danilo Fischetti
The blue prop talks about the art of the scrum, life on the front line and a passion that never takes a break: “Once you’re a prop, there’s no turning back”
Photo: AP via LaPresse
Danilo Fischetti, a Roman from the hills (Genzano), aged 28, 180 by 110 kilos, prop, 67 caps, from the defeat against world number one South Africa (7–66) to the match against the Pumas (Saturday 14th at 12.40, at the Ferraris in Genoa, live on Sky Sport Uno and Sky Sport Arena, free-to-air on TV8 and streamed on NOWtv).
Fischetti, is rugby more of a passion or a profession?
“A great mix. I live it with passion, especially when playing for Italy, and I believe this competitive and emotional fire is shared by all the Azzurri. But I also live it with commitment and responsibility, all round and 365 days a year.”
Even whilst on holiday?
“Even on holiday, because often, if not always, your mind is still on rugby, and because you’re always, if not often, mindful of what you eat, drink and sleep, and of keeping fit.”
Is pillar writing an art or a craft?
“Both. I’d say: a great deal of skill, which at times rises to the level of art. I’m thinking of the organised scrum, the positioning, the drive.”
What does it feel like, what do you feel at the moment of impact, when the two packages collide?
“A lot of noise and enormous pressure. The sounds of bones and muscles, the voices coming from lungs and guts… And the pressure exerted by your seven teammates pitted against that exerted by the eight opponents. Some have compared that pressure to a ship’s engine room. However, it is nothing like the pressure you experience when training in the gym.”
Are you born a pillar, or do you become one?
“You’re born into it. It can happen – as it did to me – that you start out in a different role. Can you believe it? Central attacking midfielder. Then, however, your calling, instinct or nature comes to the fore and you end up in the right position, perhaps retaining those qualities you learnt in a different role.”
Once you’ve become pillars, do you remain pillars?
“Sì, per sempre, perché da piloni non si torna più indietro”.
What would you say to a boy or a girl about rugby?
“Go and play. You’ll find teammates and brilliant people who will become your friends for life.”
And what about a parent?
“Come and watch me play. I know you’ll discover a sporting culture, a sense of respect and a spirit of the game that will win you over.”
And what about a female partner?
“Come and live with me. I know it won’t be easy. Between training sessions and matches, trips and pre-match preparations, our lives will be full of commitments. But if it’s true love, together we’ll make it work.”
It is often said that Argentines are Italians who speak Spanish. Why, then, are they more proficient at rugby than we are?
“Because they discovered rugby and learnt to play it before we did.”
Rugby is a spectacle: is it more like cinema or theatre, or more like the circus or dance?
“None of that, because rugby is pure truth – neither fiction nor performance.”
Fischetti, do you believe in God?
“It would be a long story. I’m more of a rugby fan.”
Northampton Saints, your club team in England. Do you feel more like a saint or a devil?
“A devil with the face of a saint. But it’s just a joke.”
The Welsh claim that the pillars have suffered so much on earth that they deserve paradise.
“Let’s hope that’s exactly how it is. I’m counting on it.”