Zebre confirm Michael Bradley as head coach

Zebre have confirmed former Ireland boss Michael Bradley as the head coach of the Pro 12 club.

The 54-year-old, who has made 40 international appearances for Ireland coached Connacht for seven years between 2003 and 2010. He had an interim coaching position with Ireland in 2008 before moving to Edinburgh in 2011.

The former Munster star held the position of assistant coach of Georgia since 2013 and will now move to Zebre, which is under Italian Rugby Federation.

A statement from the FIR read: "With the appointment of the new chief executive officer (Dr Andrea Dalledonne), the composition of the franchise's technical staff was also defined, the guidance of which was entrusted to Michael Bradley, (who) until last season (was) assistant coach of the Georgian national team, currently ranked 12th in World Rugby.

"His name was indicated by Conor O'Shea (national team head coach) with a view of full technical alignment between Italy and the two PRO12 franchises."