The Italian prop is passionate about food and cooking, and dreams of opening his own eatery, which he already knows would specialise in barbecue food.

Asked his future goals, he told Rugby World magazine: “To open a restaurant that specialises in BBQ.

“I like meat but in general cooking is one of my passions.

“One day I would like to open something linked with food and catering.”

Simone is very experienced with a grill.

Asked the best thing he’s ever bought, he said: “A five-fire gas barbecue. I use it almost every day.”

The 30-year-old star is also studying for a degree.

He said: “I’m studying economics at university.

“I would like to finish it during my rugby career.”

When he’s got a game, Simone always packs a spare pair of boots because he’s not confident his will see out the full match.

Asked if he has any superstitions, he admitted: “Actually, quite a lot.

“One in particular is that I always clean my boots the day before the game and change the studs.

“And I always have two pairs of boots on game day because I’m scared to remain without it if one them breaks.”