Zebre name immediate replacement as NZ coach exits for 'family reasons'

Zebre Parma has announced that David Sisi will retire as a player and assume the role of lineout coach for the next two seasons – while confirming the exit of forwards coach Joshua Syms.

Sisi – who made 104 appearances and scored five tries for the club between 2017 and 2024 – is transitioning into a coaching role under new head coach Massimo Brunello. The 31-year-old earned 30 caps for Italy and competed in a Rugby World Cup.

The former England U20s star has chosen to remain with the club and city of Parma where he has lived since 2017 with his family.

Facing Goliath | A story following Italy as they take on the mighty All Blacks | A Rugby Originals Documentary

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“Continuing the excellent work Josh [Syms] has done so far is a great responsibility and a new challenge that I embrace with pleasure and enthusiasm,” said Sisi. “The decision to stop playing was not easy, but I am very happy to continue working with this group of athletes with whom I have shared so much.

“During my career I have gained a long and diversified experience at an international level. I have compared myself with many great coaches from the Premiership, the URC and the national team and I feel I can continue to offer my contribution to the group. My passion for Zebre is strong: I thank the club for the trust. As a player, I have given a lot, but now I want to leave a mark as a coach as well.”

Sisi captained Zebre in 25 matches and became the franchise’s twelfth centurion this year.

Zebre also announced that Syms has left the club to return to New Zealand for family reasons. The club expressed gratitude for Syms’ contributions and wished him well.

“I loved the time I spent at Zebre,” said Syms. “I will always be grateful for the experience, relationships and friendships I built during my time in Parma. I am also grateful for the support that the club has provided me during this difficult period for my family. I am sure that the future of the club will be bright: I wish the players and staff the best for the 2024/25 season.”