Paolo Odogwu has been smiling ever since he committed to playing for Italy. Photo: Getty Images/Danilo Di Giovanni
Anyone who feels burdened or disillusioned with rugby union should schedule a conversation with Paolo Odogwu.
It's been just over 10 months since The Wasps was unraveled, the charming 26-year-old admits it's a «crazy time» that «turned into a hiatus year.» saw him land on his feet. Hours after the official confirmation of his place in Italy's World Cup squad, Odogwu is beaming with excitement. It's hard not to be happy for him.
«I'm definitely settled and where I need to be,» he explains. «I feel like I've found myself.»
The feeling of fluke has different aspects. Two years ago, during a dark Six Nations tournament characterized by Covid restrictions, he was called out by Eddie Jones, who admitted that the player had an X factor, but remained locked up in the camp without winning a match.
While this period must have been a terrible ordeal, not least because 'bubble' protocols meant he could not return to the Wasps, effectively excluding him from matches for nearly three months, Odogwu harbors no dislike for his experience in England. Indeed, he hardly thinks about it.
Odogwu was called up by Eddie Jones but never won a cap for England. Credit: Reuters/Dave Rogers
“Thinking about the past, especially in sports and especially rugby, can be confusing,” says Odogwu. “If three weeks ago you think about how you played badly and worry about whether you will play well again, it can create a domino effect where you are constantly in your head.
“I'm always focused on how I can get better now and improve my future, which is next week and the week after. [England] is not even what I'm thinking about right now. I accept what I'm doing now and try to enjoy it, as I probably did then.”
Well, he could accept this new environment. Italy's fearless style of play under outgoing head coach Kieran Crowley suits Odogwu perfectly. As an explosive, fast-paced runner capable of covering center and flank, he is understandably enthusiastic.
“Kieran Crowley has been amazing at instilling confidence in the guys,” Odogwu told Telegraph Sport. “We need the ability to play anywhere. Even our exit plays kickoffs and when we get the ball at 22, the first option kicks in.
“I've never played anywhere where that was the case. You have the right to attack, you need the ball in your hand. This gives everyone more confidence and enthusiasm to go out and show off their skills.”
A 42-21 win over Japan this week, complementing a 57-7 thrashing of Romania the previous Saturday and a promising Six Nations game ahead of it, enhanced Italy's ability to capture the imagination. Originally told of his Italian heritage by Franco Smith, Crowley's predecessor, Odogwu cracked his head on a difficult debut against Ireland before scoring a goal against Romania. It was a decidedly popular attempt, as well as a «surreal» and «proud» moment for her finisher. After reaching the flank, Odogwu was surrounded by a crowd of teammates.
Odogwu opened his scoring for Italy with an attempt against Romania Photo: Getty Images/Danilo Di Giovanni
Odogwu, whose father was born in Bologna, spent Easter with his family in Italy as a child. Joining Benetton next season, he will have an enjoyable campaign at the Stade Français and will survive the Wasp's homecoming as well as the Italian comeback, reuniting with Jacob Umaga and Marcus Watson. Umaga is his business partner. Two years ago they founded the clothing brand Composure Club and Odogwu moved into Umagi's old apartment in Treviso.
Before joining the Wasps, Odogwu was an academy player for the Leicester Tigers before joining the Sale Sharks . Did he feel that the English system was tactically stifling, especially compared to what he had already experienced in Italy?
“Growing up playing in the English league when teams like Sarris started getting successful playing the 'we're going to hit and defend' style, there was a ripple effect and everyone was like 'okay, this must be the way to win' says Odogwu.
“[Before] it was a little more extensive, and then when the teams tried to replicate what they were doing, it was difficult…because nobody really likes chasing the ball.” , and I wanted to take the ball in my hands and show myself. It was the same with England, but I think it's more of a national mentality.
“Also, the weather in England is terrible in the winter, so you can't play as much and as actively. It seems to be a pragmatic way of doing things. It's 35 degrees in Italy right now. Kicking will be hard work. We want to keep it in our hands, follow the ball. It's definitely a refreshing change for me.”
All things considered, does Odogwu think the sport would be healthier if more teams adopted the ambitions of teams like Italy? This is not required, although he suggests that the marketing teams step up.
“For the average fan, if you turn on the TV, you only pay attention for a couple of minutes,” adds Odojwu. “Would you be more interested if you saw a long distance attempt or something interesting? Even if you don't understand the sport, you would think, «What's going on, is this crazy?» Or [would you be interested in] seeing someone preparing to hit a box, build a caterpillar, and race?
Odogwu is very happy to play for Italy, where they have been granted a license to run from all parts of the field. Photo: AFP/Paul Faith“Obviously, purists love everything. But they are already fans. It's about bringing in new people. Nowadays, with TikTok and everything, people's attention spans are so short. It will take one or two minutes before the channel changes. I don't think teams need to change their style of play, but as long as there are five or six moments in the game where people say, «Wow, that was impressive, that's what rugby is in this competition,» that's all it takes. designed for teams to capture those moments and promote them. Rugby does it badly.”
Odogwu's time in Paris helped him become a more independent student, reading body language when the limits of his vocabulary were exceeded. Monty Yoan, Toa Khalafihi, Hame Faiva, Tommaso Allan and Sebastian Negri are known to be particularly useful on the roster, with Stephen Varney being his roommate throughout preseason. Crawley's setting sounds like a warm, welcoming place. Most importantly, he is also full of talent and faith. Italy, along with France, New Zealand, Uruguay and Namibia, could cause a stir. And they know it.
«If we can act like I know because I see it in training every day, and take these teams to the limit, it will get the world's attention.» — Odogwu. says.
“It takes place on the biggest stage and everyone is watching. Especially the last game in the pool, France against France, which could potentially be decisive in the quarter-finals. These are the situations we want to be in, which will test the evolution of Italian rugby. It's a really exciting time.”
Italian Rugby is partnering with Aramis Rugby, the world's leading manufacturer of rugby equipment, in the UK. Aramis provides training and wrestling equipment to all Italian national teams — www.aramisrugby.co.uk
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