New boss.

Former All Blacks fullback Kieran Crowley has been announced as the new Italy head coach.

Crowley formerly coached Canada at international level from 2008-16 and before taking over the reins at Italian club Bennetton Treviso where he took them to a maiden PRO14 playoff appearance in 2019.

Kieran honed his coaching skills on New Zealand soil through stints with New Zealand Under 19 and Taranaki before heading offshore.

Crowley played 19 Tests for the All Blacks from 1983-1991 and was part of the squad which won the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987.

“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.

“We have a talented young generation who have recently had their chance at international level and in the Pro14. Along with the more experienced members of the squad with whom we will work, they have all the quality necessary to form the spine of the Italy team for the next cycle.”