Of course Jim Harbaugh had something up his sleeve.

When the NCAA approved its ban of off-campus spring break practices last Friday, a report surfaced later that afternoon that Michigan was planning to take its show to Rome, Italy at the end of the winter semester.

As it turned out, that report was on the money.

Michigan announced on Monday that it will be traveling to Rome for the end of spring practices. The “special educational and football experience” will involve the Wolverines spending a week in Rome immediately following the end of finals in the last week of April.

“We were looking to provide our student-athletes with a great educational, cultural and international football experience,” Harbaugh said in a release. “I am excited that our student-athletes will be able to take advantage of this amazing educational opportunity, be exposed to another culture, and be ambassadors for the United States and the University of Michigan during our visit to Rome.”

RELATED: Michigan reportedly could end spring practices in Europe

The off-campus spring break ban prevents schools from hosting off-campus practices during vacation periods. With Michigan getting out of school at the end of April, the trip won’t be an NCAA violation.

Michigan came under fire last year after it hosted spring break practices at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

According to the release, Michigan will take part in the following while in Rome:

  • visit historical landmarks
  • spend time with youth at orphanages
  • visit deployed U.S. military in the country
  • host a youth clinic
  • play in a scrimmage that will be open to the public

The Wolverines reportedly plan on making the Rome trip an annual one. Michigan will allow for players to stay in Europe and complete summer internships abroad.

“The study abroad and international internships will better prepare our student-athletes to compete in today’s global economy,” Harbaugh said in a release. “We are committed to offering our students a broad experience that will prepare these young men for life after football.”

Michigan will host its three practices at AS Roma, which is the professional soccer club in the city.