Italians keen to retain coaching link

By WYNNE GRAY

While former All Black Brad Johnstone seems to be on the way out, Italy are looking towards more New Zealand talent as his replacement.

Sources in Italy say Johnstone is looking to return to coach Fiji as he did at the last World Cup, a side which has a vacancy after former Wallaby coach Greg Smith was let go this year.

It is understood the Italian Rugby Union has discussed its chances of getting someone such as Wayne Shelford, John Boe or even John Hart to take them into this year's Six Nations and through to the next World Cup.

Shelford has indicated his future may lie overseas after he missed out on a Super 12 job for next season.

Boe has been coaching Samoa in tandem with Michael Jones and is keen to widen his coaching repertoire.

After his All Black tenure, Hart said his time coaching at the top level was over, but he would help out if needed at some levels in New Zealand.