The former Penrith rugby league international Craig Gower is one of four uncapped players named in a 30-man Italian rugby squad for next month's tour to Australia and New Zealand.
After being involved in a string of off-field controversies while playing in the NRL, the former Panthers captain joined French rugby club Bayonne in 2007.
He's been in impressive form at second-five and joins a growing list of NRL stars who have become dual internationals, although he will be the first to play for a country other than Australia.
The former New South Wales and Kangaroos halfback qualifies for Italy through his grandfather.
Italy coach Nick Mallett was initially concerned about selecting Gower but has relented because the Australian's reportedly stayed out of trouble and because the Azzuri have failed to win in their last nine starts.
They face the Wallabies on June 13 in Canberra and then again a week later in Melbourne before facing the All Blacks on June 27 in Christchurch.
