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ROME - Former South Africa coach Nick Mallett was named as Italy coach on Wednesday following their World Cup exit and Pierre Berbizier's departure.
"The president of the Italian Rugby Federation Giancarlo Dondi announces that an agreement has been reached with Nick Mallett to become national coach from November 1," a statement read on the federation website.
Italy were knocked out of the World Cup after losing 18-16 to Scotland in their decisive Pool C game on Sunday.
Frenchman Berbizier announced in April that he would be leaving his post after the World Cup but the Italian federation waited until after their tournament exit to make an appointment so as not to upset preparations.
Mallett, 50, was born in England but moved to then-Rhodesia and South Africa as a child.
He led the Springboks to a record winning run of 17 consecutive tests from 1997-98 before resigning in 2000. A former Oxford University rugby and cricket Blue, he is currently director of rugby at Western Province.
- REUTERS
