Berbizier replaces Kirwan as Italy coach

PIERRE BERBIZIER has been confirmed as the new head coach of the Italian national team.

Wed, 20 Apr, 2005 - 01:00

Andrew Baldock

The former France international replaces New Zealander John Kirwan, who left his position earlier this month after Italy lost every game in this year’s RBS 6 Nations.

Berbizier was one of the favourites to replace Kirwan and has signed a two-and-a-half year contract with the Azzurri.

CONNECT WITH US TODAY

NEWSLETTERS

NOTIFICATIONS

Be the first to know the latest news and updates

More in this section

Former Wallabies and Ireland player Brian Smith dies aged 59

Maeve Óg O’Leary, Caitriona Finn and Ellen Boylan celebrate after the game 8/8/2026

Munster teammates' coaching transition 'unreal' says Maeve Óg O’Leary

Keith Earls backs 'voice of reason' Jared Payne to succeed at Munster

Courts Rugby International Place: Europe Place: France Place: New Zealand Place: Wales Place: Bay of Plenty Place: Cardiff Place: England Person: Berbizier Person: Kirwan Person: Pierre Berbizier Person: John Kirwan Person: Azzurri Person: Giancarlo Dondi Person: Gareth Thomas Person: Stephen Jones Person: Clive Woodward Person: Thomas’Person: Thomas Person: Jones Person: Frederic Michalak Person: Yannick Jauzion Person: Trevor Brennan Person: Cedric Heymans Person: Fabien Pelous Person: Xavier Garbajosa Person: Nicolas Jeanjean Person: Jean-Baptiste Poux Person: Fabien Galthie Person: Jerome Fillol Person: David Skrela Person: Gonzalo Quesada Person: Brian Liebenberg Person: Fillol Event: World Cup Event: French championship Event: Heineken Cup Event: European Cup Organisation: Italy Organisation: France Organisation: Italian Rugby Federation Organisation: FIR Organisation: Wales’Organisation: Lions Organisation: Clermont Auvergne Organisation: Toulouse Organisation: Lions’Organisation: Argentina Organisation: Leicester Tigers Organisation: Clermont-Auvergne Organisation: Stade Francais Organisation: Biarritz Organisation: Bayonne

<p>Pictured is Aer Lingus College Football Classic ambassador Ian Madigan ahead of this year's game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the UNC Tar Heels, taking place at Aviva Stadium on Saturday, 29 August 2026. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile</p>

Ian Madigan: I can't see Ronan O'Gara wearing Leinster blue

READ NOW

Berbizier replaces Kirwan as Italy coach

Ian Madigan: I can't see Ronan O'Gara wearing Leinster blue

Sport

Latest

Sport

Donal Lenihan

Berbizier replaces Kirwan as Italy coach

Every Match. Every Story.

Ian Madigan: I can't see Ronan O'Gara wearing Leinster blue

Sport

Latest

Sport

Donal Lenihan

Most Read