Gaffney grabs Zebre chance with both hands

Former Irish U20 Ciarán Gaffney is making his mark in Italy after being snapped up during the summer by Michael Bradley at Zebre, writes John Fallon.

The 22-year old, a product of the Connacht academy, found his career at a crossroads when his contract came up for renewal at the Sportsground earlier this year and after a brief stint in New Zealand, the call to Parma came from Bradley.

Gaffney, a versatile back three player, has made ten appearances this season for resurgent Zebre, the latest coming on Saturday when he came off the bench as they defeated his old side, Connacht, 24-10.