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Ex-All Black named as new Italy coach to replace South African Franco Smith

(Photo by PA)

Italy have named former New Zealand international Kieran Crowley as their national team rugby coach, replacing South African Franco Smith.

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Crowley has been coach at Italian club Benetton since 2016. He coached at international level with Canada from 2008-16.

Smith, who took charge after the 2019 Rugby World Cup, will move into a new role as the head of high performance in Italian rugby.

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The Spirit of Rugby | Episode 1

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    The Spirit of Rugby | Episode 1

    “In the five years with Benetton Rugby, I’ve been able to learn and understand the country and its rugby culture, an understanding which I cannot wait to develop as head coach of the national team,” Crowley said.

    Crowley won the World Cup as a player with the All Blacks in 1987.

    Italy are coming off a sixth straight last-place finish in the Six Nations, igniting the debate over whether the Azzurri deserve their guaranteed place in the competition.

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    GabrielArthur 44 minutes ago
    Conor Murray: French giants weigh up shock move for Ireland star

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    GS 2 hours ago
    James O'Connor, the Lions and the great club v country conundrum

    Whilst I dislike what is occurring with the French clubs, they are not the only parties involved in this activity. You can also look to Ireland and its “Project Player” Scheme, or how Scotland picks players with zero background who have never lived in Scotland.


    But market forces will dictate where players will end up.


    If RA wants to retain these players, then it should offer them remuneration in line with or better than what the French clubs can. The NZRFU should have offered Aki, Lowe, or Fergus Burke a higher salary than what was offered by the likes of Irish Rugby, Sacarens, etc., if it wanted to retain them.


    These kids going to France and the aforementioned Kiwi players are attempting to build a career and financial security in a career that can end with one injury. Think about that—one bad injury, and your career is over, so just like anyone, they have to make the smart, informed decision that is right for them and their families.


    If the likes of Oz and NZ can’t or are not prepared to match the $$$, so be it - this is the reality of professional rugby, and whilst it turns the international game into a glorified club comp, I’m not sure if there is any solution.


    And let’s remember it’s not all negative. This movement of players from Nth to South gives kids like Blair Murray or Taine Plumtree the ability to earn good $$ and experience international rugby, when let’s face it, they would at best be on the fringes of a Super Rugby squad - so it’s not all bad!

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    G
    GabrielArthur 2 hours ago
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    7 Go to comments
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