Andrea Masi
A versatile and resilient Italian rugby centurion who became the heart of the national team's backline for a record-setting four World Cups.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Italian rugby union rugby player·Birthday: March 30·Millennials
Biography
Andrea Masi embodied the grit and growing ambition of Italian rugby in the 2000s. Debuting for Italy as a teenager, his career spanned a transformative era for the Azzurri. A player of remarkable adaptability, he lined up at fly-half, centre, and fullback with equal competence, providing a steadying hand and defensive steel. His crowning individual moment came in 2011, when his powerful try-scoring performance against France earned him the Six Nations Player of the Tournament award, a rare honor for an Italian. Masi's durability was legendary; he accumulated 95 caps and became the first Italian to be selected for four Rugby World Cups. Whether with Treviso, Racing Métro, or Wasps, his intelligent play and leadership made him a respected figure on both sides of the ball.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Andrea was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Andrea Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Andrea's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named the Six Nations Player of the Tournament in 2011, the first Italian to receive the award.
- Earned 95 caps for Italy between 1999 and 2015, playing in a national record four Rugby World Cups (2003, 2007, 2011, 2015).
- Scored a crucial try in Italy's historic 22-21 victory over France in the 2011 Six Nations championship.
- Won the European Challenge Cup with English club London Wasps in 2023, his final professional season.
Did You Know?
He played professional club rugby in three different countries: Italy (L'Aquila, Rugby Roma, Benetton Treviso), France (Biarritz, Racing Métro), and England (Wasps).
His international debut was against the Netherlands in 1999, a match Italy won 67–7.
He scored 15 tries for Italy over his 16-year international career.
He was known by the nickname 'The Warrior' for his physical and committed style of play.
“For Italy, you play where you are needed, and you give everything.”
