Ciao Italy, hello Wasps

In the fast-moving roundabout that is professional rugby, John Kirwan could be replaced as coach of Italy by Frenchman Pierre Berbizier, while Kirwan could take over from Warren Gatland as coach of Wasps - but only if one of the Lions coaches, Ian McGeechan, doesn't want the job.

Kirwan was yesterday axed as coach of the Italian national team. Overseas reports say Wasps want to hear from McGeechan, who has also been linked with Bath, before deciding whether to offer Kirwan the position.

Wasps coach Gatland is leaving the London club to coach Waikato at the end of the season and McGeechan heads the field of candidates, which includes Kirwan.

Wasps team manager Nolan Miller last night confirmed that the club have offered the role of director of rugby to McGeechan but Kirwan would be among the favourites should McGeechan turn it down.

Miller said: "We did speak to him (Kirwan). Maybe there is a possibility of getting John Kirwan."

Kirwan, 40, replaced fellow New Zealander Brad Johnstone in March 2002 and had been under contract to lead Italy to the 2007 World Cup but, after taking the team to a Six Nations win in his first season against Wales, he was unable to repeat the magic in 2005.

Italy finished bottom of the table for the fourth time since joining the competition in 2000 - after Kirwan's stated aim was for two wins, including a first away from home.

Federation members openly criticised Kirwan after the championship but Italy prop Andrea Lo Cicero was sorry to see him go.

"He's a special person and is leaving halfway through his project ... other coaches have been given six years to get things right," said Lo Cicero.

Reports from Europe suggest Kirwan's replacement will be former France halfback and coach Pierre Berbizier.

Earlier, Kirwan used former England coach Sir Clive Woodward as an example of what can be achieved with the right backing.

"Clive Woodward was under huge pressure in 1998 but his bosses remained patient and he helped England win the World Cup," he added.

Kirwan admitted it was very difficult trying to stay competitive with the other countries in the Six Nations, given the relative weakness of Italy's domestic league.

"The French have been bringing through all these good young players and for them to take the step up from club rugby to international level is not as great as it is for our players," said Kirwan.

"It hardens them not to make mistakes at critical moments, like some of our players."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY