Italy: Conor O'Shea resigned with immediate effect

ph. Sebastiano Pessina

Conor O’Shea remitted with immediate effect the position of Technical Commissioner for Italy. The Irish coach had signed a contract until May 30, 2020 when he took office in 2016, but his experience with the Italian national team will end early, so he will not train at the next Six Nations 2020. President Alfredo Gavazzi has informed the federal council of O'Shea's decision at the meeting held on Saturday 16 in L'Aquila

"We are saddened by Conor's decision not to conclude the journey as contractually planned – said O'Shea – We thank him for the commitment and the passion with which he has held his own role in these years and we wish him the best professional successes in the tasks that he will cover ".

"I loved every minute I spent in Italy and I really believe in what we have done and how it can be achieved in the years to come," said O'Shea. "We have started a process and generated a new, well-founded hope, but I also believe that the end of the Rugby World Cup represents the best time for everyone to make changes in view of the new cycle ”.

"I built friendships and made experiences that I will never forget. I sincerely hope to have left Italian rugby in a better position. The young people who are coming join a system that, by continuing with the right decisions, can only improve in the years to come. I want to thank Alfredo and all the FIR for the support they have always shown me ”.

Conor O'Shea led the Italian national team in 40 games, winning 9 and losing 31. During his management, in November 2016, the historic victory against the Springboks arrived, while in the three Six Nations played with the Irishman as head coach Italy has always lost. Two victories against Namibia and Canada and a defeat against South Africa came to the last Rugby World Cup

His successor still has no clarity: in mid-September the appointment of Rob Howley, former assistant of Wales, as a new coach was almost certain, but his case related to prohibited betting changed the FIR strategy in recent weeks.

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