Aironi are bottom of the Celtic League with just three wins to their name this season and will not compete next season as financial problems have led to the Italian Rugby Federation’s (FIR) decision to revoke their license to compete in the Pro12.

High-profile Azzurri players such as Andrea Masi, Giovanbattista Venditti, Mauro Bergamasco and Carlo Del Fava all ply their trade at Aironi but Brunel believes they will still be playing domestic rugby in Italy next season.

“The news on Aironi was bad news,” said Brunel.

“But I don’t believe there is that much to fear, there’s not going to be an exodus.

“The federation will find a solution and Italian rugby is on the up and other options will present themselves.”

FIR president Giancarlo Dondi revealed the federation did initially try to keep Aironi afloat but the financial problems were too great and they had to bite the bullet.

“There was no other option,” explained Dondi.

“The federation cannot be a substitute for the sponsors and we have invested a lot already.

“Remember that we already pay 60% of the franchise’s wages to players who can play for Italy.

“We were ready to pour in almost €3 million including a new coach who would have been available to Aironi and we would have given money to the Celtic League for Aironi’s subscription.

“They however wanted other financial help and were speaking of another two and a half million, which wasn’t possible.”