The Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) announced today the Zebras as the new team to replace Aironi Rugby in the RaboDirect Pro12 and Heineken Cup in the 2012/13 season.
“Zebre” was originally founded in 1973 as an invitational club for North-Western Italy. Zebre will be based and will play in Parma, at the “XXV Aprile” Stadium, which is currently being refurbished and expanded.
Their Director of Rugby will be 53-year-old Roberto Manghi. Manghi was general manager with Gran Parma and Rugby Parma.
His team manager will be the just retired 81 times capped Italian hooker Fabio Ongara while another well known name, Alessandro Troncon will be on the coaching staff.
