Zebre want out in latest Pro12 twist
...but Italian Federation will set up new franchise using same name
AS the Guinness PRO12 prepares to welcome two South African sides, uncertainty has now emerged over the Italian representation in the new tournament.
Zebre, as they are known, have informed the Italian Rugby Federation that they do not wish to take part in next season’s competition.
Reports over the last week or so have claimed that players haven’t been paid for a month and only met up for pre-season at the end of last week.
However, the FIR said in a statement that they were determined to hold up their end of an agreement with the Celtic Rugby Board that states they must have two teams in the competition.
As such, they’ve established a new company – ‘Zebre Rugby Club Company’ – and appointed a CEO as they look to move forward under the control of rugby’s governing body in Italy.
FIR leaders and the directors of the new company will hold talks with the club’s players and staff in Parma today as they begin the operating process of the club that will retain the ‘Zebre Rugby’ name.
The framework of the new company will be determined and the contracts of players and staff will be then be taken up with the union.
There were suggestions that this would be the opportune moment to start a franchise in Rome, but the club have quashed that idea and will be playing as normal in Parma.
With the fixtures yet to be released, an exact time frame is unclear, but there’s six weeks until the beginning of September and everything will need to be in place by then.
PRO12 bosses were expected to announce details of next season’s competition this week, with addition of two South African teams due to be announced.
Whether or not they can go ahead, revealing next season’s fixture list – the delaying of which is proving a source of frustration among fans – while things are not set in stone in Italy remains to be seen.