Geldenhuys to skipper Aironi
Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:27
Italian international second row Quintin Geldenhuys has been named as Aironi's captain for their debut season in the Heineken Cup.
Born in Klerksdorp, South Africa, the 29-year-old Geldenhuys was captain of Viadana last season and now takes over the top job at the new Italian super-franchise.
Aironi have been drawn in Pool 4 with Bath, Biarritz Olympique and Ulster and will launch their European campaign at Ravenhill against Ulster on Friday, October 8.
Having begun his career in Durban with the Sharks, Geldenhuys played for the South Africa Under-21 side and spent two seasons playing in the Currie Cup with the Pumas before heading to Italy in 2004.
He could find himself lining up against a number of former fellow South African-born players in his side's Heineken Cup debut as Ulster have three Springbok internationals in their pack, BJ Botha, Johann Muller and Pedrie Wannenburg - as well as Ruan Pienaar behind the scrum.
Having qualified to play for Italy on residency grounds, he made his debut for the Azzurri on the 2009 mid-year tour to Australia and New Zealand and now has 13 caps to his name
"I really didn't expect to be named captain - it is a big surprise," admitted Geldenhuys.
"It's a great opportunity, but also a great responsibility to skipper the team in its first Magners League season. It will be a new adventure with a new team, and a lot of important new players," he added.
"I want our home ground to become a fortress where we can achieve the victories we need. I also want the side to always keep its head up, even after a defeat."
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