ZEBRE PARMA vs Ospreys
EPCR Challenge Cup
Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
11Th Jan 2026
Ospreys try scorers: Morgan Morse, Keiran Williams, Dan Edwards.
Hosts Zebre Parma came away with victory in the EPCR Challenge Cup Round 3 tie, after taking a 13 - 0 lead into halftime. Ospreys responded in the second half and took the lead into the final ten minutes, but a late try from the hosts was enough to deny an Ospreys victory in a tightly fought contest.
The boys got off to a strong start, applying early pressure on Zebre in their 22, but the home team were able to come away with a big turnover to clear their lines.
Zebre were doing some great work at the breakdown in the first ten minutes, with the Ospreys enjoying a spell in the hosts 22 again, they were able to come away with another big turnover to relieve the pressure.
Ospreys were in control of possession and territory throughout the first 15, but a well-organised Zebre defence meant that we remained scoreless.
The first points of the game went Zebre’s way. A controlled spell near the Ospreys line saw our defence stand firm and keep the hosts out, forcing Zebre to go for three in front of the sticks with a penalty. Zebre Parma 3, Ospreys 0.
Zebre were able to score the first try of the game not long after the three: a pinpoint 50/22 gave them the field position and they took full advantage through a sniping Alessandro Fusco, whose try was converted on 24 minutes. Zebre Parma 10 - 0 Ospreys.
The penalty count continued to go the way of the home team, and they took full advantage, as Giacomo De Rea added to his tally through the left boot to give his team another three points on 28 minutes. Zebre Parma 13 - 0 Ospreys.
With just under ten minutes remaining in the first half, momentum swung back in favour of the Ospreys. A quick break spearheaded by Morsey and Kieran Hardy gave the boys some excellent field position and a chance to get their first score.
It looked like the Ospreys had scored their first try after a well worked set play off the tap and go, as Morsey bumped off his man to power over for the try. However, the TMO chalked it off for crossing in the build up. Zebre were able to close the half shortly after.
HALF TIME – ZEBRE PARMA 13, OSPREYS 0.
Ospreys looked much sharper in the second half, a slick yet patient attack allowed them to march their way right down the field into Zebre’s redzone and give them another opportunity with a lineout on the five.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! The boys went to the maul from the lineout after some great work to get them in the position. Morsey got the score his performance deserved, and Dan Eds was able to convert. Zebre Parma 13 - 7 Ospreys.
It looked like Zebre were going to add to their tally soon after the Ospreys score, but the pack’s maul defence was second to none after they were able to stop the home team through multiple lineouts and Ryan Smith was eventually able to come away with a huge turnover.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! The boys transitioned from defence to attack in the blink of an eye. Dan Eds put in a pinpoint pass to Ratti on the wing, who carried about 25 metres before finally being brought down. Keiran Williams spotted a gap through the middle of the Zebre defence and finished under the sticks. Dan Eds converted. Zebre Parma 13 - 14 Ospreys.
Just moments later, Zebre answered back. A penalty in front of the sticks allowed De Rea to add to his tally for the day and regain the lead with just over 20 minutes remaining. Zebre Parma 16 - 14 Ospreys.
A word has to be said for Zebre’s work at the breakdown, throughout the first 60 minutes they were making all the right decisions when it came to competing and challenging for the turnover. With just over ten minutes remaining, Ospreys were in firm control of both territory and possession and were asking questions of the hosts.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! Some vicious carrying from Morsey and Deavesy sucked in multiple defenders and Dan Eds was able to walk in for the score after the miss pass from Reuben Morgan-Williams. The boys had their noses in front coming into the final 10 minutes. Zebre Parma 16 - 19 Ospreys.
However, Zebre Parma were able to hit right back, after a penalty saw them go to their lineout in the Ospreys 22. Ospreys maul defence had been stoic all day, but on this occasion, the Italians were able to get it moving, and crossed through Samuele Locatelli, before De Rua converted. Zebre Parma 23 - 19 Ospreys.
The final 5 minutes saw a never say die attitude from the Ospreys and the boys worked their way all the way to the Zebre Parma 22, but ultimately could not convert to take the win, leaving Parma instead with a losing bonus point.
FULL TIME – ZEBRE PARMA 23, OSPREYS 19.
EPCR Challenge Cup action doesn't stop there: it's all to play for next weekend at the Brewery Field as we face Montpellier in the final regular round of the pool stages. Get your tickets now as the boys look to bounce back at home:
