Massimo Cuttitta

Massimo Cuttitta (; 2 September 1966 – 11 April 2021) was an Italian professional rugby union player and coach. He used to play as a prop. He was the twin brother of Marcello Cuttitta.

Early life

Cuttitta was born at Latina. His family moved to South Africa in the late 1960s, where the Cuttitta brothers, including older sibling Michele, started to practise rugby. He attended High School at Pinetown Boys' High School along with his brother.

Club rugby After the return to Italy, Massimo and Marcello started to play at a more serious level at L'Aquila Rugby. In 1988, they both moved to Amatori Rugby Milano, where Massimo played until 1997. He won four titles of Italian Champion, in 1990/91, 1992/93, 1994/95 and 1995/96, He played at the Rugby World Cup finals, in 1991 and 1995, this time as the captain. He won the title of the FIRA Cup, in 1995/97, winning against France in the final. He played in the first game for Italy in the inaugural Six Nations, in 2000, which his side won 34–20 against Scotland.

Death and legacy Cuttitta died in hospital in Rome on 11 April 2021, having been admitted with symptoms of COVID-19.

In his honour and to celebrate his contributions to rugby in both nations, starting from the 2022 Six Nations Championship the Cuttitta Cup is awarded to the winner of the match between Italy and Scotland.