Italian Rugby Federation confirmed Jacques Brunel as Italy’s Coach until 2015 after the Rugby World Cup
The Italian Rugby Federation announced earlier on Tuesday May 3rd, 2011, that Jacques Brunel has agreed to a four-year contract as Italy’s rugby coach.
Brunel will be taking over from Nick Mallett after Rugby World Cup 2011. The deal will put Brunel in charge of the Italy Rugby team’s duties until the end of 2015 Rugby World Cup, scheduled to be held in England.
The Italian Rugby Federation confirmed last month that Mallett's contract would not be renewed. Reports reveal that Mallett wanted to continue with the job but his performance as a coach of a national side went against his case.
Under Mallet, Italy played 36 games and won only six of them. Italy’s high profile win during his tenure came earlier in the year during the RBS Six Nations 2011, as Italy defeated the defending champions, France, 22 – 21.
The 57-year-old has worked under Bernard Laporte as assistant coach of France’s national side. He remained in charge of the front under Laporte from 2001 – 2007. During his tenure, the French rugby team made it to the semifinals of the Rugby World Cup twice, in 2003 and 2007.
Later in 2007, he became the head coach of the French Top 14 team, Perpignan. Brunel led the Perpignan to the French title in 2009 and made them a strong unit at both domestic and European level.
Brunel started his coaching career in 1995 with U.S. Colomiers. At Perpignan he was assisted by Franck Azema for the backline and Bernard Gout for the forwards.
Under Brunel, Perpignan played consecutive two Top 14 finals and won a title in 2009 by defeating Clermont Auvergne. In 2010, Clermont Auvergne defeated Perpignan to take the French domestic crown.
Jacques Brunel has termed the role of working as a head coach as unique and made the decision after pondering over it for a week.
He said, "I've thought about it for many weeks but this Italian offer is unique at my age." He has promised to deliver the expected results and wants to “I want to seize this opportunity".
The former coach of Perigeux, Biarritz and Stade Francais, Jacques Delmas, is expected to replace Brunel as head coach of the Perpignan.
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