Former South Africa coach Nick Mallett was on Wednesday named as the new man in charge of the Italian national side, the country’s rugby federation announced.
Mallett succeeds Pierre Berbizier, whose time at the helm of the Azzurri came to an end with Italy’s first-round elimination from the World Cup in France, which was confirmed by the 18-16 defeat against Scotland on Saturday.
”The president of the Italian rugby federation, Giancarlo Dondi, announced that an agreement has been made with Nicholas Vivian Howard Mallett who, from November 1, will be the coach of the Italian team,” said a statement.
England-born Mallett (50) grew up in Rhodesia before his family moved to South Africa.
He coached the Springboks to a record 17 consecutive wins in 1997 and 1998 and then went on to coach top French club side Stade Francais.
Mallett had also been linked with the job of Wales coach, which became vacant at the weekend following the sacking of Gareth Jenkins.
The World Cup was a huge disappointment for Italy.
They had gone into the tournament on the back of their best-ever Six Nations, which had seen them finish in fourth place following wins over Wales and Scotland.
The 37-17 win at Murrayfield was their first away from home in the competition. — AFP
