Kirwan quits Italy

Italy have parted with national team coach John Kirwan, the country’s rugby federation has confirmed.

Kirwan, a legendary player with the All Blacks, was under fire after Italy failed to win a game in this year’s RBS 6 Nations and finished with the wooden spoon.

A statement on the Italian Rugby Federation’s official website www.federugby.it said: “The Italian Federation Rugby Council, of which Giancarlo Dondi is president, had a meeting today at the Boscolo Hotel in Bologna and decided to rescind the contract of coach John Kirwan.”

Italy have yet to announce who will replace Kirwan, who is a rumoured target of Zurich Premiership club Wasps.

The English club is looking for a director of rugby for next season as Warren Gatland is leaving for a job in New Zealand with Waikato.