The Irish influence on Italian rugby is continuing to get stronger!
Michael Bradley, the former head coach of Connacht has been confirmed as the new boss of Pro12 side Zebre.
Bradley becomes the first Irishman to coach an Italian side in the Pro12. Along with Dragons boss Bernard Jackman, it means there will be more Irish head coaches in the Pro12 based outside of Ireland than in it this season. Leo Cullen is the only Irishman in charge of one of the home provinces.
Zebre have come under the ownership of the Italian Federation this season, and Bradley's confirmation came with the recommendation of Italian head coach Conor O'Shea.
FIR ufficializza lo staff di @ZebreRugby
Allenatore Mike Bradley, assistenti Carlo Orlandi e Alessandro Tronconhttps://t.co/D53OJReO5a pic.twitter.com/1jeQePDlY8— Italrugby (@Federugby) July 31, 2017
Bradley will leave his role with the Georgian national team. Since 2013, he was the side's defence coach and helped the team to a brilliant performance at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Previously the head coach of Connacht, Bradley also was in charge of Edinburgh for two years and led the side to the semi-finals of the Pro12.
The return of Bradley to the Pro12 (soon to be Pro12) will add a level of interest in Ireland to the performance of Zebre this season. In his playing career, Bradley lined out for Ireland 40 times at scrum-half with his last appearance coming in the 1995 World Cup in South Africa.
SEE ALSO: Bernard Jackman Back In Rugby As Head Coach Of Pro12 Side
