The Italian is already dreaming of achieving more than ever with both club and country.

This coming season will certainly be difficult for me, Bortolami said.

We have a tough game against Northampton Saints at Kingsholm on Saturday. They (the Saints) are a great rugby team, who are well placed in the league and boast formidable players in their ranks.

So it will be a great game and I am sure my team-mates are ready for the challenge.

I must admit that coming to play here in England has made me a better player. I feel more pressure here than when I played in the French Top 14.

Here every game is a battle and all the teams are off a high standard. I am really happy to be part of the Gloucester team, added Bortolami, who is the youngest player to captain the national team.

Referring to his international career, the 49-cap veteran said: We are going to meet Portugal and either Russia or Ukraine in October in our bid to qualify for France 2007.

I am also looking forward to meet Australia, Argentina and Canada in Test matches during November, followed by the RBS 6 Nations, where we have high hopes, and finally the World Cup in France.

He also admitted that he was in good shape going in to the season and hoped to achieve some honours.

It will certainly be an intense season for me, but psychically I am 100% fit, he said.

So I am looking forward to make a huge impact at Gloucester and with Italy. I hope to at least come close to achieving any major trophy.