Former Zebre captain George Biagi has been named Chief Operating and Sporting Director of the Parma-based franchise. Biagi, who turns 40 next month, has been part of the Zebre set-up for 12 years. After a season with Bristol in England, he joined the Italian side, going on to make 119 appearances, 51 of them as captain. Between 2014 and 2018, he won 23 caps for Italy, featuring in landmark victories at Murrayfield against Scotland in 2015 and over South Africa in 2016. Since 2020, he has been a member of the club’s management team.
The appointment was made official by the Zebre Board of Directors, chaired by Giovanni Fava. Biagi will make his first appearance in the new role on Saturday, 6 September, at the season-opening event held in the Zebre Club House at Parma’s Cittadella del Rugby, ahead of the friendly against Georgian side Black Lion (kick-off 20:30).
“We want to invest in competence and passion – and George has both,” said club president Fava. “Important challenges and ambitious goals await us. We need a strong team both on and off the field, to help enhance the authority and reputation of Zebre. Together with vice-president Zanovello and board members Perruzza, Saccani and Ghisoni, we wish George the very best in his work.”
“I have a deep love for this club,” Biagi commented. “Over the last twelve years, Zebre have given me so much, both personally and professionally. For me this is a great honour and an extraordinary opportunity to give something back. I want to thank president Fava, the members of the Board, FIR president Duodo and the Federation’s directors for their trust. We are starting a season with a renewed vision and medium-term strategy, both sporting and extra-sporting. Through Zebre Legacy, we are relaunching our community and sustainability projects, ensuring the team and coaching staff are present in clubs across Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna to share skills and values. I ask all our fans and rugby people to support our players. Today more than 90% of our roster is Italy-qualified: Zebre are a true asset for the country. We will also launch many initiatives dedicated to the local territory, inviting everyone to come to the Cittadella and, of course, to the Lanfranchi Stadium.”
Biagi also confirmed two initiatives scheduled for Saturday. The team will be presented to supporters at the Lanfranchi Stadium after the match, with players introduced one by one. In addition, the “Player of the Match” award, organised by Est 155 Parma, will also be presented post-game.