Former Ireland international Michael Bradley has been dismissed as head coach by URC side Zebre after four and a half years in charge.
The ex-Connacht and Edinburgh boss has paid the price for the Italian strugglers losing all eight of their league and Challenge Cup games this campaign.
In the previous four seasons they recorded just 17 wins and were beaten 55 times.
A club statement said: "Zebre Rugby Club reports that Michael Bradley has been relieved of his post as head coach of the franchise.
"The club has taken this decision in anticipation of the technical renewal path planned for the coming seasons."
The 59-year-old Cork native won 40 caps as a scrum half for Ireland between 1984 and 1995 and also coached Ireland A, leading the senior tour to Australia and New Zealand as interim head coach in 2008.
