Zebre appoint experienced Argentinian as new head coach

Zebre have announced the appointment of Emiliano Bergamaschi as their new Head Coach.

The Parma-based United Rugby Championship outfit have handed the reins to the experienced Argentinian for the remaining matches of the 2021/22 season with the possibility of then further extending his appointment.

The 45-year-old former prop will be joined by former Italy winger Fabio Roselli.

Zebre's press release advises that their new coaching team will work "in collaboration with the technical staff of the National team and the National Academy to plan the development of U21 players."

Commenting on his appointment as head coach Bergamaschi said: "Having the position of head coach of Zebre is a great challenge, I feel very honored.

"Now we have the opportunity to become stronger, to grow and improve at all levels, as a team, as players and as a club."

Zebre parted company with their previous head coach, former Ireland scrum half Michael Bradley, at the start of January.

The former Connacht and Edinburgh boss had been in charge of the United Rugby Championship side since 2017 during which they struggled to make much impact in the United Rugby Championship and Pro-12.

Zebre had lost all eight of their games in the URC and European Challenge Cup prior to Bradley's departure and Club President Michele Dalai reflected on this following the appointment of his successor.

“The last few weeks have been intense and difficult," he said. "We have respected Mike Bradley's wishes and minimized communications regarding the end of his professional partnership with the Zebras.

"To Mike I renew my gratitude and personal, enormous affection. We are working on a long and tiring but nevertheless exciting reconstruction. We were aware that there would be so many and different problems.

"Today we announce that the team will be led by Emiliano Bergamaschi from now to the end of the season and it is an important announcement, because Emiliano is an exceptional professional, with a vision in which we all believe.

"This is a strange season, now made up of two distinct periods, so we are confident that in the 14 games still to be played things can change a lot.

"Emiliano Bergamaschi has so far worked with a small group of players due to a heavy number of COVID-19 positives, who are slowly returning and making themselves available. Our best wishes to him for a good job."