Player Profile

Chris Vitalini first played for Wales at Student level in 2006 and later that year for the under 19s. On the third of his three appearances for this side, he directly opposed an up-and-coming youngster for Australia by the name of Israel Folau. After playing youth rugby union for Caerphilly and Dragons U20, Chris came through the Celtic Crusaders development system and helped their Colts side win a National Conference title, then played in Super League reserves. He made two appearances per season in the Crusaders' first team in both 2007 and 2008. After taking some time off rugby for personal reasons in 2010-11, he came back in 2012 with South Wales Scorpions. Following that season, he chose to play for the land of his fathers, this being Italy, and won four caps for them over three years. Between 2012-17, he flitted between Scorpions and Gloucestershire All Golds and ended up with 67 appearances and 10 tries with the Welsh club and 31 appearances, 6 tries with the English. He played for Midlands Hurricanes in 2018, winning his only full Wales cap at the end of that season. He also went into coaching in 2018, assisting with the Wales Students side. His final season in 2019, saw him make eight appearances for West Wales Raiders. His club career ended with 134 appearances, 17 tries. His only international try came for Italy against Russia in 2013.