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Busy time for recalled Moreno

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Alex Moreno is preparing for a busy summer after making a surprise return to international rugby.

The 35-year-old learned about his international recall from Italy coach Nick Mallett just as he is preparing for an addition to the family and also for a move to play for Calvisano in Italy at the end of three years at Welford Road.

“Nick Mallett called me on Sunday morning to check how I was and if I was available to play,” Moreno says.

“He confirmed the squad on Monday and I had to fly out on Tuesday to meet the rest of the players. It is a busy summer with a baby due soon too.”

Moreno gained three international caps for Argentina before moving to play his rugby in Italy and he was then capped by the Azzurri in the 1999 Rugby World Cup and 2002 Six Nations.

This is his first call into the squad since then and he joins Mallett’s line-up in preparation for Tests against South Africa in Cape Town and against Argentina in Cordoba.

“I am very excited because it is a long time since my last cap and now I am back in the squad,” he says.

“There are a lot of young players in the squad but I have never been on tour to Argentina and I have never played an official Test against Argentina so it would be brilliant to have the chance to do that.”

Leicester Tigers forwards coach Richard Cockerill said: “Alex has had a great career and I’m really happy for him now that he has the chance to tour with the national squad again.

“It’s fantastic for him and we wish him all the best.”

Moreno has been a popular figure with Tigers supporters in his three years since his arrival from French club Brive and he has made more than 40 appearances for the club, including the three finals at the end of the 2006/07 season.

“It’s been the best three years of my career,” he says.

“Winning two trophies in 2007 was a great achievement. The fans have been absolutely brilliant for me and the club have also been brilliant in every way.

“I have had a great time at Leicester but now I have a new challenge and I am looking forward to it.”