New Italian rugby rep Dean Budd is hoping to make it in the final squad as they prepare for a one-off test match against the Flying Fijians.

Budd say he is doing the hard-yard training to show his worth.

“It’s always great to go against the Fijians and it’s going to be a real challenge for me but I’m ready for it.”

He also revealed a tradition that is synonymous with debutants.

“We got a tradition where new caps get their heads shaved by senior players. Last night we sat around where senior players took the clipper and shaved our heads and this is the outcome.”