Italy to sack head coach ending Six Nations drought

Kieran Crowley turned Italy into a more competitive team. Credit: Getty Images/Federugby

Kieran Crowley, Italy head coach The Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) has announced that the Azzurri will part ways with the Azzurri after this year's World Cup.

Crowley, whose track record as head coach of Italy currently stands at six wins and 13 losses, took over the reins of the Azzurri in September 2021, after five years as head coach of Benetton Rugby, replacing Franco Smith, who is now at the helm of the Glasgow Warriors. .

Under the tutelage of 61-year-old Orr, Italy produced some of their most notable attacking rugby in the professional era, as well as famous victories over Wales in Cardiff, ending a 36-loss streak in the 2022 Six Nations. victory over Australia last November. Crowley said on Wednesday that the decision not to renew the contract was not mutual.

«I would like to play for Italy in the next Rugby World Cup cycle and I regret the decision of the FIR not to renew my contract,» said the New Zealander.

«We have a young team that has accumulated good experience over the past year, and her performances show improvement in many areas. We have changed the way we train in the gym and on the field, as well as the way we approach and play matches. We have changed the mentality, instilling courage and self-confidence, without limits.

“With the World Cup and four more years of internationals, we will have a group averaging 50-60 caps, an exciting prospect. Unfortunately, I will not be participating in this journey and now I have to think about what awaits us immediately, namely the Rugby World Cup in France. Together with our staff, I will be 100 per cent dedicated… Italy will always have a special place in our hearts.”

Messages in France link both Laurent Travers, the man Stuart Lancaster replaces at Racing 92. — and Gonzalo Quesada — former head coach of the Stade Français — as possible replacements for Crowley, and the FIR should announce a Kiwi successor in due course.

Commenting on Crowley, FIR President Marzio Innocenti, said: «Kieran raised a group of boys , making them men and international players, and for that we will be eternally grateful to him. But our work together is not over yet, we have one exciting adventure left in France, and I am sure that Kieran and his team will leave an indelible mark on the history of Italian rugby.”