Italy Head Coach Kieran Crowley has not been offered a contract extension by the FIR, and will leave the role after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
This announcement comes as a shock, as with Crowley at the helm, the Italian national side have progressed significantly in recent years. Under the New Zealander’s guidance, the Azzurri ended their 36-game losing streak in the Six Nations, with an unforgettable 22-21 comeback triumph over Wales in 2022.
Italy built on this success in the following Autumn Nations series, recording back-to-back home victories for the first time in a decade. Italy put Samoa to the sword, running roughshod on the Pacific Islanders for a 49-17 victory. Crowley’s side followed this up with their first ever victory over Australia, with the 28-27 classic coming down to the wire in the Stadio Artemio.
“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).
“We have a young team, which has gained good experience over the last year, with performances showing improvements in many areas.
“We have changed the way we train in the gym and on the pitch and in the way we approach and play matches. We have changed the mentality, instilling courage and self-confidence, without constraints.
“With a World Cup and another four years of international matches, we will have a group averaging 50-60 caps, an exciting prospect.”
The 61-year-old has been Italy’s Head Coach since 2021, and has overseen the breakthroughs of some of the Azzurri’s brightest young talents. The likes of Ange Capuozzo, and brothers Paolo and Alessandro Garbisi have been lighting up the Azzurri’s matches under Crowley’s tutelage.
Crowley has also been able to recruit dual-nationals with the likes of former Wasps winger Paolo Odogwu and Harlequins lock Dino Lamb choosing Italy over a career with England.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be part of this journey, and now I have to think about what awaits us immediately, namely the Rugby World Cup in France, before my departure.” Crowley continued
“I will be 100% committed together with our staff to prepare this group of players in the best possible way. My wife Sue and I will always remember the wonderful people we met and the moments spent with them, the teams I trained, the colleagues I worked with, the Italian culture and ofcourse the food and wine.
“We will miss all of this, but Italy will always have a special place in our hearts.”
FIR President Marzio Innocenti discussed the decision to not extend Crowley’s contract with Italy.
“Now that we have decided to end the relationship with Crowley after the next World Cup, it is time to take stock. And Kieran’s with Italian rugby is very positive,” FIR president Marzio Innocenti said.
“He raised a group of boys, making them men and players of high international calibre, and for this we will be eternally grateful.
“But our work together is not finished yet, we have one exciting adventure left to live in France this September, and I am sure that Kieran and his team will leave their indelible mark on the history of Italian rugby.”