A Homecoming for Rugby Prodigy Sebastiano Villani
Sebastiano “Seba” Villani, a talented scrum-half born in 2000, has embarked on a remarkable journey that has led him back too his roots in Parma, Italy. After making a name for himself on the international stage with the USA Under 18 national team in 2018,Villani has decided to return to Rugby Parma,the club where his passion for the sport first ignited.
VillaniS rugby journey began at the tender age of five with Rugby Parma. He honed his skills there, briefly exploring baseball before returning to his true calling. His talent was evident early on, earning him a spot on the Emilia Romagna Regional Selection and the prestigious Academy (ASA).
His path then took him across the Atlantic to the United States, where he joined the St Bonaventure Rfc college team.A serious knee injury sidelined him for over a year and a half, but Villani’s determination saw him return to the field in September 2021. he capped off his senior year with a championship victory alongside the St Bonaventure University team in the NCR National Collegiate Rugby league.
Villani’s exceptional performance earned him a place in history as the first player from St Bonaventure University to be drafted into Major League rugby (MLR), a professional league modeled after the NFL. From 2023 to August 2024, he showcased his skills with the New Orleans team, Nola Gold, learning from seasoned professionals like Damian Stevens (Namibia national team scrum-half) and Luke Campbell (All Blacks and Hurricanes scrum-half in Super Rugby).
Despite his success in the US, Villani felt a yearning for a sense of belonging and a return to his rugby roots.He credits the support of his Parma friends for encouraging him to “reset” and seek a new challenge.
“In the last period in America, I felt a bit lost as a player,” Villani shared. “Thanks to the advice of my Parma friends, I realized it was time for a change. Rugby Parma helped me grow as a player, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. Returning here felt natural, and I’m eager to contribute to the club.”
Villani has been warmly welcomed back to Parma, finding a strong sense of camaraderie and a playing style that resonates with him. He appreciates the emphasis on skill and finesse,a departure from the more physical approach prevalent in American rugby.
“I’ve been having a lot of fun since coming back,” Villani enthused. “I’ve found that sense of ‘family’ that was missing in America. The team has been incredibly welcoming, and I feel right at home. They’re a talented group, and I love their style of play. I can’t wait to get on the pitch and prove my worth, contributing to the team’s goals!”
Welcome back, Sebastiano!
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