Italy sack Rutledge - report

Italy forward coach Leicester Rutledge has been sacked less than a month before the Rugby Union World Cup, according to newspaper reports in New Zealand.

Rutledge told his hometown paper, Invercargill's Southland Times, that he was returning to New Zealand after the termination of his contract.

The moves comes after an alleged "falling out" with head coach, former All Black John Kirwan.

"It's been a difficult relationship, I guess, but I don't want to make any comment at this stage," Rutledge said. "I just want to get home first."

Rutledge said he had met with Italian Rugby Federation officials Tuesday to "tidy up loose ends".