BASINGSTOKE senior coach Jim Dixon hopes he has finally solved one of his side's problem positions after completing the signing of new prop Roberto Bussati.

Argentinian Bussati arrived on Tuesday from Rhyll, north Wales, where he has been living and playing for the past two months since a proposed move to Penzance and Newlyn fell through.

Ten days ago, the 34-year-old initially travelled to Basingstoke and was given a tour of the club and town, before he trained with his potential team-mates.

But his acquisition was only officially sealed this week after the 16-stone forward decided to accept 'Stoke's offer.

A delighted Dixon said: "It's very difficult to find front row players, so when Roberto became available we grabbed him quickly.

"Prop has been a position I've been trying very hard to get someone for since I became coach. Hopefully, Roberto will be the missing link and I'm very happy to have got him."

Dixon added: "He's come at a good time because we haven't got a game this weekend, so we'll have four training sessions to get him integrated with the boys and work with the pack under Lee Johnson."

Bussati is of Italian descent and has an Italian passport, which means, as a European, he isn't regarded as an overseas player.

He said: "I like what I have seen of Basingstoke and am happy to be here.

"The team and the club are full of very friendly people and I am looking forward to playing here. I can play anywhere in the front row - it is not a problem to me."

That versatility is another plus for Dixon, who said: "Matt Evans looks like he will be out for quite some time with his damaged ribs, so Roberto may have to play at hooker.

"We'll have to see what's best for the side, but I ideally see him playing at tighthead prop when Matt is back."

Last Saturday, 'Stoke went down to a heavy defeat at London one leaders Worthing, losing 51-3 in a thoroughly one-sided encounter.

Dixon said: "They were a very good side and their pack were very strong. They didn't give us a chance to win ball and get it to our backs at all.

"It was one of those games where it was a real grind for the full 80 minutes. We were well beaten and that's the level we must aspire to."