Rugby Parma was founded in 1931 by Gianni Penzi, Mario Pirazzoli and Peter Zini.

In the following years the university organized friendly games, then began official competitions.

In doing so they became the first Italian team to win the end of season Heineken Cup play-off (a match regularly contested between teams from the Celtic League and the Italian National Championship of Excellence), and ensured Italy would have three entrants in the competition, equal with Wales and Ireland, and one more than Scotland.

With the best players and sponsorship now being concentrated in Aironi the clubs could not financially field individual professional rugby teams.

Aironi struggled in the two season in the Magners League ran into financial difficulties and were replaced by Zebre.