Kieran Crowley's excellent stint in Italy has been rewarded

Benetton have announced that Kieran Crowley will continue to be their head coach until June 2022. The 1987 World Cup winner from New Zealand arrived in Treviso in summer 2016 and led Benetton to the Guinness PRO14 quarter-finals last May for the first time in the club’s history, nearly beating Munster to reach the semi-finals. 

He also won the PRO14 coach of the year award, the first from an Italian franchise to be recognised in this way. “I am very happy to continue my experience with Benetton Rugby,” said Crowley, the former Canadian head coach at the 2011 and 2015 World Cups, ahead of the start to the 2019/20 season which begins with Saturday’s visit to Italy by defending champions Leinster. 

“I arrived three years ago believing in this project and I still believe in the club’s vision. We are heading in the right direction with a club made up of good people who, regardless of their role and rank, do their best for the good of the club.

“Last year we did something important, but this is a new year, with new challenges. We start from scratch, so it is up to us to continue working hard and grow to reach new goals.”

Benetton sporting director Antonio Pavanello added: “After a summer of negotiations, we are proud to continue our project with Crowley and that he has again chosen Benetton.

(Continue reading below…)

“Our satisfaction is reinforced and are convinced that Kieran is the right figure to continue our journey. We will put together the best means to achieve great results together.

“I would like to express my personal happiness because in Kieran I’ve found a coach to work well with, share my ideas and start a long term project.”

WATCH: The RugbyPass RugbyExplorer series takes a trek through Italian rugby, including a pit-stop at Treviso