Zebre RC, Italian rugby from Parma
Our page Zebre RC showcases the professional franchise from Parma, in Emilia-Romagna, established in 2012 by the Italian federation: a name taken from an invitation-only selection founded in 1973 by Marco Bollesan, featuring a black and white jersey, the Sergio-Lanfranchi stadium, and a key role in the development of Italian players against the best European teams.
The black and white of Italian rugby.
From Zebre Bollesan to the 2012 franchise
The name Zebre, zebras in Italian, dates back to 1973. That year, Marco Bollesan, a former captain of Italy, created an invitation-based team in the north-west of the country, based on the Barbarians model. It played prestige matches until 1997 and opened its history in Milan against the Australian side Randwick. In 2012, the Italian federation took this name for the franchise they set up in Parma, replacing the Aironi, to maintain two Italian teams in the Celtic league, alongside Benetton Treviso.
Other foreign clubs
Foreign clubs also come in various forms:
All clubs are gathered on the page foreign clubs.
The black and white and the Sergio-Lanfranchi stadium
True to its name, the team plays in black and white, two colours that set it apart from all its rivals. Renamed Zebre Parma to reinforce its ties to the city, it is managed by the Italian federation, which turns it into a training tool where the best prospects train alongside internationals. It plays at the Sergio-Lanfranchi stadium, named after a former Italian international. The original venue was demolished in 2008 to make way for the European Food Safety Authority, based in Parma; the name has been kept for the current stadium.
A breeding ground for the Italy XV
Since Italy joined the Six Nations Tournament in 2000, the federation has relied on two professional teams to help develop its players. In Parma, internationals and youth from the federation academies face Irish provinces, Welsh and Scottish clubs, and South African franchises in the United Rugby Championship every week. This regular exposure to top-level competition, impossible in the solely Italian league, has supported the rise of the Squadra Azzurra, which has become more competitive against the major nations.
Good deals
Good bargains can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearances, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals feature the latest collections, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday in late autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days of spring, followed by the summer sales and back-to-school season.
Frequently asked questions
Does Zebre take part in the European cups?
Yes. Like all teams in the United Rugby Championship, Zebre qualifies for the Champions Cup or European Challenge based on its ranking. In its early days, the franchise played in the major European Cup thanks to spots then reserved for Italy.
How does the United Rugby Championship work?
Sixteen teams from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy, and South Africa compete in a regular phase of eighteen matches. The top eight qualify for quarter-finals, then semi-finals, and a final in a single match.
Why was the franchise set up in Parma?
Emilia-Romagna is one of Italy's rugby heartlands, and Parma has long had clubs at the national elite level. Setting up the franchise in the city allowed for leveraging this knowledgeable audience and existing facilities.
What's the difference between Zebre and Benetton Treviso?
The Benetton Treviso is a historic club from Veneto, founded in 1932, playing in green and white, and joined the Celtic league in 2010. Zebre is a franchise created in 2012 by the federation, based in Parma and dressed in black and white.
What happens when the opponent also plays in black?
In case of possible confusion between the kits, it's generally the away team that changes jersey, so that referees and viewers can clearly distinguish the players. Zebre has, like all clubs, an alternative jersey.
