Franco Smith appointed as Italy interim coach
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Italy have announced that former Cheetahs coach Franco Smith will coach the side for the 2020 Six Nations while they search for Conor O'Shea's permanent replacement.
O'Shea left his role with the national side last week after three years in the position, with reports saying that he is taking up a role with the RFU.
🔵 #Italrugby: annunciata la composizione dello staff tecnico per il @SixNationsRugby 2020 ➡ https://t.co/tlb4CJbPgh #insieme #rugbypassioneitaliana pic.twitter.com/xLINOFZ5hR
— Italrugby (@Federugby) November 21, 2019
In his role at Italy, Smith will be supported by forwards coach Giampiero De Carli, defence coach Marius Goosen and fitness coaches Pete Atkinson and Giovanni Sanguin as the side open their Six Nations campaign against defending champions Wales on February 1st at Principality Stadium.
The 47-year-old Smith played 9 Tests for the Springboks between 1997 and 1999, and has coached Italian side Treviso for 6 years before taking over as coach of PRO14 side Cheetahs.
