Italy head coach Kieran Crowley has expressed disappointment after the Italian rugby federation (FIR) announced that they would not be renewing his contract at the end of the Rugby World Cup.
Crowley, a former New Zealand international, replaced Franco Smith as coach in May 2021, and presided over an improvement in results, including the end of their long Six Nations losing streak, with a thrilling victory over Wales in Cardiff in 2022.
In October, he guided the side to a historic first victory over Australia, Ange Capuozzo again the hero with a late try in a 28-27 win.
However, in the wake of a disappointing finish to the 2023 Six Nations, Italy's rugby authorities have confirmed they will be seeking a new coach after the upcoming World Cup.
"Now that we have decided to end the relationship with Crowley after the next World Cup, it is time to take stock. And Kieran's with Italian rugby is very positive," FIR president Marzio Innocenti said.
"He raised a group of boys, making them men and players of high international calibre, and for this we will be eternally grateful.
"But our work together is not finished yet, we have one exciting adventure left to live in France this September, and I am sure that Kieran and his team will leave their indelible mark on the history of Italian rugby."
In a statement released in response to the news, Crowley said he was sorry he would not be continuing.
"I would have liked to have been involved with the Italian national team for the next Rugby World Cup cycle, and I am sorry for the FIR's choice not to extend my contract.
"We have a young team, which has gained good experience over the last year, with performances showing improvements in many areas.
"We have changed the way we train in the gym and on the pitch and in the way we approach and play matches. We have changed the mentality, instilling courage and self-confidence, without constraints.
"With a World Cup and another four years of international matches, we will have a group averaging 50-60 caps – an exciting prospect.
"Unfortunately, I won't be part of this journey, and now I have to think about what awaits us immediately, namely the Rugby World Cup in France, before my departure.
"I will be 100% committed together with our staff to prepare this group of players in the best possible way.
"My wife Sue and I will always remember the wonderful people we met and the moments spent with them, the teams I trained, the colleagues I worked with, the Italian culture and of course the food and wine.
"We will miss all of this, but Italy will always have a special place in our hearts."
Though Italy were whitewashed in the 2023 Six Nations, they put in highly competitive displays against Ireland, France and Scotland.
They entered their penultimate game against Wales as favourites, however slumped to defeat after being unable to fully recover from a calamitous start.
Italy have been placed in an unenviable group at Rugby World Cup 2023, being drawn in Group A alongside New Zealand and France.
