ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Tuesday May 14, 2019

Franco Smith will take over from Conor O'Shea as Italy coach post 2019 Rugby World Cup

The Cheetahs have confirmed that Head Coach and Director of Rugby Franco Smith will leave to take over as Italy head coach from 1 January 2020. The former Springbok has previously coached Treviso, but is currently in charge of the Cheetahs in the Pro 14.

ADVERTISEMENT

Smith was offered the opportunity to take over from Conor O’Shea after the Rugby World Cup, and has received the full backing of the Cheetahs board of directors.

“The Board of Directors see this as a great opportunity for Franco and is proud of the fact that so many top coaches have been developed by the Free State Cheetahs. Free State Rugby is seen as a breeding ground of opportunity with coaches like Rassie Erasmus, Niel Powell, Jacques Nienaber, Pote Human, Brendon Venter, Rory Duncan, Daan Human, who all started off in the Free State – and in the past, Nelie Smith, Gysie Pienaar and others.

“The Board of Directors is proud of and wishes Franco the best of luck with the opportunity to coach on an international level until the next world cup in 2023.”

Smith becomes the second South African to coach Italy, after Nick Mallett did so between 2007 and 2011.

A highly talented flyhalf or centre in his day, Smith earned 9 Test caps for the Springboks between 1997 and 1999. He later became backline coach for the Cheetahs in 2006.

He will remain in the position as Head Coach for the Currie Cup, where after the new coach will take over the reins for Guinness PRO14 later in September.

ADVERTISEMENT

“The new coach will be part of the coaching structures during Currie Cup to experience the culture. After Currie Cup, Franco will stay in the fold as Director of Rugby until the end of November 2019.”

The process to find and appoint the best candidate for the new Head Coach for the Cheetahs role has begun.  Applications for the position will be advertised internally, externally and through SARU.

Comments




Related Articles

  • 69 WEEKS AGO

    South African Kurt-Lee Arendse receives limited...

  • 69 WEEKS AGO

    Fans outraged by the same thing during Argentina...

  • 69 WEEKS AGO

    Quade Cooper leaves the field with a nasty...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wild scenes in Toulouse as Portugal seal last gasp comeback win over Fiji

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Theo Dan in the centre of 'punch' storm as possible infringement missed

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Compilation video shows Jamie George's surprising box of tricks

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Eddie Jones reported to have negotiated return to Japan national side

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Rees Zammit hits Olympic level as 100m sprint time is officially finally released

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Mack Hansen proves once again that he is a hero in Ireland

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Irish players brilliantly take the p*** out of Sexton on plane intercom

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Brilliant video of Andy Farrell readying the Irish troops for battle

View All

Amateur

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 71 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Transfer News: George North to take considerable talents to France

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Tom Foley takes break from officiating international matches following death threats

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    James Haskell shares thoughts on 'best mate' Owen Farrell

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    The key change Steve Borthwick has made to England squad selection

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    Siya Kolisi opens up about stabbing incident in powerful interview with Dan Biggar

View All