Conor O’Shea says he is “honoured, humbled, and excited” to have been appointed Italy’s new head coach on a four-year contract that will incorporate the 2019 World Cup.

Italy’s rugby bosses have brokered a deal to end the players’ strike and set their World Cup preparations back on track.

Italy have confirmed they will bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023 – the first nation to cement their opposition to Ireland.