Two Italy internationals headline list of 7 new deals at URC strugglers

United Rugby Championship strugglers have concluded a day of business which contained no fewer than seven new deals at the club.

Six of those new deals are for players, with assistant coach Gilberto Pavan also extending his deal with the club until 2028.

Italy internationals Luca Rizzoli and Paolo Buonfiglio, both loosehead props, headline the list of deals in Parma.

The 23-year-old Rizzoli, who earned the last of his two caps in the 2025 Guinness Six Nations, has extended until 2028, while the 31-year-old Buonfiglio, who won his sole cap for the Azzurri in a 2023 World Cup warm-up, has extended until 2027.

Their compatriots, hookers Giovanni Quattrini and Giampietro Ribaldi, have both extended until 2027, with both having the option to extend until 2028. The Argentine duo of scrum-half Thomas Dominguez and tighthead Juan Pitinari have both extended until 2027.

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“These renewals represent a significant step in the club’s consolidation process,” said president of Zebre Parma Gianni Fava, as the club look to the future following a dismal URC season, where they sit at the foot of the table with two rounds remaining having managed only two league wins all season.

“Continuity is a fundamental element to build credibility and competitiveness in the medium-long term and to give solidity to the sports project. We are pleased to be able to continue this journey together with professionals who share vision and responsibility.”

Sporting director George Biagi added: “From a technical point of view, maintaining an already integrated core of players and staff is a determining factor for the development and cohesion of the team.

“These renewals allow us to work with greater continuity on our principles of play, consolidating what has been built and creating the conditions to improve the quality of performance over time.”