Rugby Parma was founded in 1931 by Gianni Penzi, Mario Pirazzoli and Peter Zini. In the following years the university organized friendly games, then began official competitions. In 1935 Parma joined the Italian first division. As a result of a break with the university in 1946, Rugby Parma was founded.
In the fifties Parma won three Italian championships (1949–1950, 1954–1955 and 1956–1957). In the sixties they won two youth championships (1961–1962 and 1966–1967). In 1973-1974 and 1987-1988 the team were relegated only to return immediately to the top flight. From the 1993-1994 to 1997-1998 they played in Seria A2. In 1998-1999 they were back in Seria A (renamed Super 10).
On 2 June 2006, Parma defeated Newport Gwent Dragons of Wales 24-15 in the Heineken Cup 24th Place Play-off at Rodney Parade to claim the 24th and final spot in the 2006-07 Heineken Cup. In doing so they became the first Italian team to win the end of season Heineken Cup play-off (a match regularly contested between teams from the Celtic League and the Italian Super 10), and ensured Italy would have three entrants in the competition, equal with Wales and Ireland, and one more than Scotland.
Read more about this topic: Crociati Parma Rugby FC
Famous quotes containing the word parma:
“I know I have the body of a weak, feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king—and of a King of England too, and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm; to which, rather than any dishonour should grow by me, I myself will take up arms—I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field.”
—Elizabeth I (1533–1603)