May 05, 2011
Italy have officially confirmed that Jacques Brunel will succeed Nick Mallett as head coach following the Rugby World Cup.
The 57-year-old has signed a four-year deal, with the Federazione Italian Rugby (FIR) electing not to offer Mallett a new contract.
Perpignan coach Brunel revealed in January that he had been in talks with Italian Rugby bosses about replacing Mallett.
Mallett led Italy to their first ever Six nations victory over France this year which had led to speculation that Mallett would be kept on after the world cup.
However the Italian Rugby Federation announced on April 23 that incumbent coach Nick Mallett would be leaving following the World Cup.
Brunel's Perpignan team were knocked out of the Heineken Cup on Sunday by Northampton Saints.
Mallett took over the role from Frenchman Pierre Berbizier after the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France on a four year deal.
Under Mallett Italy won just three out of 20 Six Nations matches including this year's 22-21 over France.
Mallett's record with Italy was marginally better than Berbizier at five wins and one draw in 40 matches but the improvement was not enough for the Italian federation.
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