Key Highlights
- Tizzano faced the British and Irish Lions during their tour of Australia.
- The controversial hit by Jac Morgan resulted in a neck injury for Tizzano.
- Tizzano defended the decision made by the referee despite online criticism.
- Tizzano is eager to address critics face-to-face and prove his worth as a player.
Rugby’s High-Stakes Tour: The British and Irish Lions vs. Australian Wallabies
In July 2025, the British and Irish Lions faced off against the Australian Wallabies in their first Test match at Suncorp Stadium. For Carlo Tizzano, a promising young flanker, this was more than just an opportunity to showcase his skills; it was a step towards proving himself as one of Australia’s top rugby talents.
A Dream Realized and a Nightmare
Tizzano had always dreamed of playing for the Wallabies since he was a teenager in Perth. His journey began with a detailed PowerPoint presentation to his parents, outlining every step needed to reach Test rugby. In 2025, Tizzano finally realized this dream, but the experience did not go as planned.
The Controversial Hit
During the second Test at the MCG, with the Wallabies leading by just two points, Tizzano was taken out of the game after a hit from Jac Morgan. The incident was highly controversial, with coach Joe Schmidt arguing that Morgan’s tackle was illegal and should have resulted in a penalty for the Wallabies. Referee Andrea Piardi disagreed, ruling both players had arrived at the same time.
Refereeing: A Challenging Job
Tizzano showed sympathy towards the referee, acknowledging the difficulty of making split-second decisions under pressure. “I think refereeing is the hardest job in rugby,” he said. “People say it’s being a tight-end prop or a flyhalf … no, it’s being a referee because you have to make a decision instantly, under all that pressure.” This perspective earned him respect from his teammates and former players alike.
Overcoming Adversity
The impact of the hit ruled Tizzano out of the third Test. However, he quickly moved on physically and mentally, returning to full training just days after the incident. His resilience was further demonstrated when he flew from Tokyo to London despite a knee injury, using ice to ensure he could return to form as soon as possible.
Addressing Critics Face-to-Face
Tizzano is open to engaging with critics who have accused him of “diving” during the controversial hit. “If someone has no profile pic on Instagram, following 5,000 accounts and still thinks I’m a cheater,” he said, “I’d love to talk to them face-to-face—come into a session, watch us do breakdown work, come into a gym session.” This approach reflects his belief that understanding the physical demands of rugby can dispel misconceptions.
Competing for the Wallabies’ No.7 Jumper
Tizzano faces stiff competition from Fraser McReight for the starting position in the Wallabies’ No.7 jumper. Their intense rivalry, fostered over seven years, drives them to constantly outperform each other. Despite this, Tizzano maintains a healthy respect for his opponent’s skills.
A Proud Italian-Australian
Tizzano is proud of his Italian heritage while also being deeply connected to Australia. His family background has given him the competitive edge he brings to the field. “Especially the last couple of years, I’m really proud of where my family’s from,” he said. “But also, I’m extremely proud Australian and I’m so happy to be Australian.” This dual identity adds depth to his performance on the rugby pitch.
As the Wallabies prepare for their upcoming match against Italy, Tizzano remains focused on improving his game while addressing any doubts that may linger from the controversial Lions series. His journey is far from over, and he continues to aim for new summits in his rugby career.
