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Kieran Crowley looks poised to embark on a new chapter in his coaching career as he prepares to take the reins as head coach of Honda Heat in Japan Rugby League One.
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This comes after the surprising news that he will no longer be required as the head coach of Italy, despite his desire to extend his contract.
According to reports out of Japan, Honda Heat is being heavily linked with the New Zealander.
Crowley, a former All Blacks fullback, has an impressive coaching pedigree. He previously coached Canada during the 2015 World Cup before assuming the role of Italy’s head coach in 2021. During his tenure, he achieved significant milestones, including ending a 36-game losing streak in the Six Nations competition with a memorable victory over Wales. He also guided Italy to their first-ever triumph against Australia in November of the same year.
Despite these accomplishments, Crowley’s record with Italy stands at six wins and 13 defeats.
Reading multiple reports that Kieran Crowley will be the new head coach at Honda.
Also hearing another Kiwi with Tier 1 international experience will take over the team the Heat replaced in Div. 1.#rugbyjp #rugby pic.twitter.com/iLN24OPd1m
— Rich Freeman (@FreemanrugbyJPN) June 19, 2023
FIR President, Marzio Innocenti, expressed his gratitude towards the New Zealand coach for his contributions. “Kieran’s time with Italian rugby has been very positive,” Innocenti stated, emphasizing Crowley’s role in nurturing and developing the players into competitive Test athletes.
Crowley’s departure from Italy will happen after the World Cup later this year, marking the end of a short but relatively sweet era for both coach and team.
Surprising choice by Italy. He seemed to be doing a good job. Especially in nurturing the young talent italy has. Be interesting to see if the new coach has a similar approach to the game like Crowley's fast style
Another kiwi coach gets dumped. Finally the rest of the world is waking up to having been conned by kiwis for so long