ZEBRE HAVE ANNOUNCED they will compete in the 2017/18 Pro12 but under the ownership of the Italian Rugby Federation.
In a statement released on Monday, the Federazione Italiana Rugby (FIR) said they had been contacted by Zebre informing them of their decision to withdraw from the competition ahead of next season.
However the club later confirmed it would take its place in a newly formatted Pro14, but under a new ownership and a new management next season.
A new company plans to be put in place of Zebre Rugby Club Company pending the approval of Federal Council.
The statement said the Federation would “ensure the participation of two Italian teams in the competition” and was determined to appoint a new director at Zebre ahead of next season.
The statement read: “FIR leaders will meet on Monday 24 July in Parma – together with the new directors – members of staff and players of the franchise to start the operating processes of ‘Zebre Rugby Club’.”
The club’s future in the Pro12 has been uncertain for a number of months, with owner Stefano Pagliarini stating in January that it would require €1 million in order to see the 2016/17 season out.
Zebre was formed ahead of the 2012/13 season and has yet to win a Champions Cup game since its inception five years ago.
The announcement comes less than a week after Celtic Rugby confirmed they were in talks to add two South African franchises to the Pro12 ahead of next season.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
Zebre have won games in the pro 12
@Trev Gilmore: Bang on. I think it is accurate to say they have never won a Heineken Cup or European Champions Cup game
@Rory Fogarty: they changed it after I pointed out a mistake. They previously said that they were yet to win in the pro 12. They should make me editor. Seems like they don’t have one already
@Trev Gilmore: In fairness they’re a lot better than balls.ie or sportsjoe.ie!
@Rudiger McMonihan: you are right but it’s not quite a standard to aspire to. Tommy Martin over Colm Parkinson anyday.
I’d like to see the pro12 bring in some US, Canadian, Georgian and Romanian teams. Then have 2 divisions with promotion and relegation. That way the Italians can compete with someone other than the Dragons. If they even created 6 teams from those 4 countries you could have 2 leagues of 10 each.
@Rudiger McMonihan: but was it not all the different time zones in super rugby one of its main problems? But i do like the idea of 2 divisions too, in the long term.
@Rudiger McMonihan: great idea but simply put, professional sports is about money, will those teams generate enough revenue. If there is not enough public interest in terms of attendance or tv it simply isn’t viable unfortunately
@blindside: there’s certainly enough interest and money in Georgia, already just there domestic league supports a couple of pro and a lots of semi pro teams, with the matches being aired on TV, including a couple of teams from there into the pro 12 would certainly be viable
Zebre beat Connacht last season
Two divisions might be the way forward. I hate the idea of conferences.
The perennial problem with expanding is fixtures & how you accommodate derby games esp in Ireland & Wales, when the big teams are in different conferences.
There’s no easy answer to that one.