ZEBRE'S TECHNICAL DIRECTOR GAJAN REACTS TO RABODIRECT PRO12 FIXTURES

"RaboDirect PRO12 is such a high-level tournament, every game is tough for everybody. As a new team, I think we must be focused on our rugby more than on our opponents. We want to be competitive right from the start, we know very well that it won't be easy but there's a lot of enthusiasm for the incoming season, we have many young players in the team and they're thrilled of being part of this new adventure" the former Stade Toulousain's coach said.

"We're working hard on these first few days of camp in order to be in the best possible shape, both from a physical and technical point of view, when the the RaboDirect PRO12 starts" Gajan added.

While analysing the first two weeks of competition, Gajan said: "Dragons wasn't on a high in the last few rounds of the last RaboDirect PRO12 but I'm sure they will be back to their best after the summer, teams can change from season to season and as a new-born team we must concentrate on ourselves, not on our opponent. As for our first home game in Parma, one week later (against Connacht), I mainly expect the Zebre to show their competitiveness".

Zebre confirmed their pre-season tour to France, where they'll play Perpignan at Aimè Giral Stadium on august 2nd and will then take part in the "Challenge Vaquerin" summer competition facing French ProD2 club of Aurillac in Camares on august 5th and then English Premiership Northampton Saints in Millau on Friday 10th.