Cheetahs have confirmed head coach Franco Smith will replace Conor O’Shea as Italy boss after the 2019 World Cup.
Smith is set to remain in charge at Cheetahs for their Currie Cup campaign before officially taking charge of Italy on January 1 2020.
The former South Africa international finished his playing career in Italy with a three-season stint at Benetton Treviso, before taking the reins at the club between 2007 and 2013.
Cheetahs wished Smith well with his new challenge via a statement on their website: “Franco was offered the opportunity to coach the Italian national side from 1 January 2020.
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The Board of Directors see this as a great opportunity for Franco. “The Board of Directors is proud of and wishes Franco the best of luck with the opportunity to coach on an international level until the next world cup in 2023.” The Italian Rugby Federation are yet to comment on the appointment and it’s not clear if O’Shea, who has been in charge since 2016, will stay on in some capacity.
