A PILNING construction firm has decided to sponsor Bristol Rugby’s Italian international Tommaso Benvenuti.

The rugby star – who recently made his full debut for the side – is now being sponsored by Helm Construction.

Welcoming the versatile Italian centre to the team, chief executive Gary Sheppard said: “Although we have followed and supported grass roots rugby for some years we jumped at the opportunity to link up with a headline-grabbing player like Tommaso.”

The versatile international – who can play at centre, wing or full-back and can kick at goal – joined Bristol from French club Perpignan on an 18-month deal. He has already earned thirty caps for Italy, representing his country in the 2011 Rugby World Cup as well as the RBS Six Nations.

He said he was looking forward to the challenge of helping Bristol earn promotion to the Premiership – as well as boosting Helm Construction’s profile across the city.

“Bristol is a great club with huge ambitions which has consistently built for the future. I believe Helm Construction has shown the same determination to grow and has demonstrated a genuinely long term attitude in terms of how they work, making sure they look after their customers and employees at all times.

“It’s very much a family business which is tremendously important to all Italians. Helm has already made me part of their family.”