Loosehead prop Rizzo was signed from Benetton Treviso in the summer of 2014, but suffered a knee ligament injury playing for Italy at the 2015 Rugby World Cup and did not play at all for the club in 2015/16.

Then, on his way back to full fitness at the start of this season, he suffered a calf injury during an 'A' League game and did not lace up his boots again until the Anglo-Welsh Cup win over Northampton Saints at Welford Road in January.

Since then he has not only re-established himself in the Tigers squad but has shared in an Anglo-Welsh Cup Final victory and earned a recall to the Test ranks with Italy, playing against England at Twickenham in the Six Nations after just four starting appearances for his club.

On top of that, the 34-year-old has now also agreed new contract terms with Tigers.

"Rugby is incredible sometimes," said Rizzo. "It was not a good time for me last year with injury and then getting injured again early this season. But then I got back to fitness and started to play and I feel very good.

"Then I get a call back to the Italy squad and play in the Six Nations, and now I have a new contract with Leicester! I'm very happy."

Rizzo says he had heard of opportunities to move on but he was more than happy to extend his stay at Welford Road.

"I had some offers but from the first moment I joined Leicester it feels like home," he said.

"I have another contract and it is great to stay. It's a privilege for me to play for this club. I am happy and my family is happy here.

"There are still big games to come this season and I'm looking forward to it."