Zebre Parma have started the United Rugby Championship (URC) strongly. The Italian side is 2-0 so far in the 2025-2026 season. Zebre Parma backed-up their opening round win over Edinburgh with a hard-fought home win over the Lions of Johannesburg, South Africa on Sunday.
The result sees Zebre Parma tied for 2nd position in the URC on 9 competition points. The Bulls lead with 10 while Zebre Parma, Munster and the Stormers all have 9 points.
| MATCH HIGHLIGHTS |
 ARGENTINE CONTRIBUTIONS |
As was the case against Edinburgh, Zebre Parma’s round two victory came with Argentine impact. Rookie Martín Roger was again the player to kick the winning points. The former Super Rugby Americas (SRA) fly half slotted a late conversion for a 22-20 win in Italy.
Man of the Match was fellow former SRA player, flanker Bautista Stavile. The Mendocino was a try scorer as was Tommaso Di Bartolomeo. Roger added a second-half penalty to put Zebre Parma ahead before the Lions regained the lead to set-up the finish in which Roger kicked the winning points.
Bautista Stavile started the match at flanker. He was joined by three Argentines who were replacements: fly half Martín Roger, prop Juan Pittinari and flanker Guido Volpi. Roger is the holder brother of 2025 Pumas rookie, Nicolás Roger.
Zebre Parma also has Franco Carrera on the roster. He recently arrived from Super Rugby Americas but is yet to make his URC debut. He trained with Los Pumas earlier this year. The club is also home to Gonzalo García who is Argentina’s first-choice scrum-half. After starting run rounds one to five, García missed the final round of the Rugby Championship.
Italy is coached by former Puma Gonzalo Quesada. He called-up and debuted an Argentine hooker earlier this year. Others may follow as the trio of Stavile, Pitinari and Volpi are all eligible for Italy.
