Bortolami has led Gloucester to second place in the Premiership following his summer move to Kingsholm, whilst his inspirational leadership in the second row for Italy has taken the country to a whole new level on the international rugby scene.

Italy stepped up to the plate in the Six Nations earlier this year and performed strongly against every team, leading against England, France, Scotland and Ireland in the first half of their respective Tests. They did, finally, get a creditable 18-18 draw away to Wales, their first ever away point in the tournament, and were unlucky not to draw with Scotland in Rome in the final game, losing 10-13 courtesy of a late Scottish penalty.

Berbizier's troops continued their surprising form in the recent November Tests against Australia, Argentina and Canada - running the Wallabies and the Pumas frightfully close, while dispatching the Canucks with ease.

"I would like to thank all the coaches who voted for me, I always work hard and it nice to see that people appreciate me," Bortolami said.

"It is a huge honour for me to be captain of my country and Gloucester. I always give my utmost to both teams."