Italy have announced that Gonzalo Quesada will replace Kieran Crowley, as the Azzurri’s Head Coach following the 2023 Rugby World Cup. This news comes after the FIR confirmed that they will not be renewing Crowley’s contract following the competition.
Gonzalo Quesada is the currently coaching at Stade Francais in the Top 14, and has been in charge of the French club since taking over in 2020. He is reportedly set to take over as Italy Head Coach in January 2024, and begin preparations ahead of the 2024 Six Nations.
The former Argentina fly half has also previously coached Buenos Aires based side Los Jaguares, and additional French clubs including Biarritz and Racing 92. The 49-year-old takes over from Kieran Crowley, after the shock announcement that Crowley’s contract would not be extended past the Rugby World Cup.
Crowley is regarded as being one of the key driving forces in the recent development of Italian rugby, overseeing the progression of young talents, and winning milestone matches. Crowley oversaw Italy’s victory over Wales in the 2022 Six Nations, which ended the Azzurri’s 36-match losing streak in the competition.
Crowley also led Italy to record their first back-to-back home victories in a decade, as his side beat Samoa and Australia in the 2022 Autumn Nations Series.
“I would have liked to have been involved with the Italian national team for the next Rugby World Cup cycle, and I am sorry for the FIR’s choice not to extend my contract,” Crowley said (as reported by Planet Rugby).