Advertisement
Zebre in action against Treviso. Luca Marenda

Italian Rugby Federation take control of Zebre after attempted Pro12 withdrawal

The club announced Zebre would retain its name and play next season in Parma.

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 โ€œensure the participation of two Italian teams in the competitionโ€ and was determined to appoint a new director at Zebre ahead of next season.

The statement read: โ€œFIR leaders will meet on Monday 24 July in Parma โ€“ together with the new directors โ€“ members of staff and players of the franchise to start the operating processes of โ€˜Zebre Rugby Clubโ€™.โ€

The clubโ€™s future in the Pro12 has been uncertain for a number of months, with owner Stefano Pagliarini stating in January that it would require โ‚ฌ1 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!

Injury returnees and one uncapped player in Ireland squad for home World Cup

โ€˜I used to make myself sick pretty much every day for two or three yearsโ€™

Author
View 12 comments
Close
12 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Richard Murphy
    Favourite Richard Murphy
    Report
    Jul 12th 2024, 8:22 AM

    Just get behind the new manager, especially as the guy doesnโ€™t sound like a bad candidate. These kinds of headlines wonโ€™t do anyone favours.

    Icelandic club sides are doing something right in producing players as well, despite only having a population of what, 300,000 people? If this guy knows a thing or two about strengthening player production underage too โ€“ brilliant.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Kennedy
    Favourite Michael Kennedy
    Report
    Jul 12th 2024, 3:29 PM

    @Richard Murphy: exactly, well said

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe O'Regan
    Favourite Joe O'Regan
    Report
    Jul 12th 2024, 12:55 PM

    The poor Irish journalists are upset that they didnโ€™t have a scoop so they are turning in Canham.

    Give Hallgrรญmsson a chance. Letโ€™s all get behind him and back him. See how he goes.

    Weโ€™ll know quick enough whether he is good or not.

    5
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.