The coach plays a crucial role in sports, especially in rugby: they must be able to build a team, share their experience and advice, and ensure that players move as one unit. The role of the coach perfectly embodies the values of BKT – leading company in the production of off-highway tires. For this reason, as Title Sponsor for the Northern Hemisphere, we have decided to annually reward the best coach of the BKT URC with an exclusive commemorative ring.
Massimo Brunello served as head coach of Italy’s U20 team for the past three seasons and took over as head coach of Zebre Parma this season. Under his leadership, the gialloblù franchise has had its best season ever in the BKT United Rugby Championship, launching promising players such as Simone Gesi and Geronimo Prisciantelli.
“Massimo has done a wonderful job this season with Zebre Parma, guiding them to some famous wins against tough opposition. He has demonstrated excellent leadership in his first season at the helm, creating history with Zebre’s first away win in four years. In creating a custom ring for him as the BKT Coach of the Season, we want this achievement to live long in the memory. Congratulations to Massimo on his fantastic work this season and we wish him all the best in the future.” - said Lucia Salmaso, Managing Director of BKT Europe.
This season, Brunello has proven himself worthy of the Coach of the Season award, showing the ability to build a team, nurture young talent, and promote fair play – qualities that perfectly reflect BKT’s identity.