FORMER Ireland boss and ex-Edinburgh head coach Michael Bradley has been given the reins at Zebre ahead of the new Guinness PRO12 season.

The appointment was announced by the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR), who have taken over ownership of the Parma-based club.

They said Bradley, 54, who was assistant coach of the Georgian national team, until last season, was recommended by Italy head coach Conor O’Shea.

A statement said: “[Bradley’s] name was indicated with a view to full technical alignment between Italy and the two PRO12 franchises.”

Bradley, 54, will have former Italy players Carlo Orlandi and Alessandro Troncon alongside him on his coaching staff.

The former scrum-half won 40 caps for Ireland between 1984 and 1995 and began his coaching career with the country’s under-21 side in 2002.

He coached Connacht between 2003 and 2010 and was Ireland’s interim head coach for the 2008 summer tour to New Zealand and Australia.

Bradley spent two years at Edinburgh, guiding them to the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup.