Brunel appointed new Italy coach

Frenchman Jacques Brunel was officially unveiled as the new Italy coach yesterday and will take over the role following the World Cup later this year.

The Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) announced on April 23 that incumbent coach Nick Mallett would be leaving following the tournament in New Zealand in September and October.

The 57-year-old Brunel, the current Perpignan coach, has signed a four-year deal that will take him up to the end of the 2015 World Cup in England and beyond.

“Brunel was picked following a selection process that identified coaches with proven experience and international acclaim,” said an FIR statement.

Brunel will be expected not only to coach the Italy first team but also supervise the entire structure of Italian rugby, including the two Celtic League franchises Treviso and Aironi.

It had long been speculated that Brunel was the FIR’s first choice for the post and FIR president Gian-carlo Dondi said he was pleased to have got his man.

“We’re satisfied to have come to an agreement with a coach of Brunel’s stature,” he said.