Kieran Crowley takes over as Italy head coach

Former All Black World Cup winner Kieran Crowley will become the new Italy head coach, replacing Franco Smith.

Crowley takes over the head coach role of the Azzuri from Franco Smith who will take over a new role as head of high performance in Italy.

Earlier this season, it was confirmed that Crowley would leave his role at Benetton at the end of the current season. Crowley was head coach at Benetton for five years and begins his role as the Italy head coach from 1 July 2021 until 30 June 2024. 

Crowley will work closely with Franco Smith to ensure full alignment between the national team, the two Guinness PRO14 franchises, the Societies of Peroni TOP10 and the FIR training structures, a statement from FIR confirmed.

🔵 #Italrugby

Kieran Crowley nuovo Commissario Tecnico Azzurro.
Franco Smith nominato Responsabile del #rugby d'alto livello ➡ https://t.co/gKGAX0Gh86#insieme #rugbypassioneitaliana pic.twitter.com/pQ6mmBKJZN

— Italrugby (@Federugby) May 19, 2021