Franco Smith gets Italy job on permanent basis

Franco Smith has been appointed as Italy head coach after leading the Azzurri during the curtailed 2020 Six Nations.

Smith took the reins on an interim basis last November after Conor O'Shea stepped down from the role following the Rugby World Cup.

The former Springbok was to take charge while the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) searched for a long-term appointment to be made by July 1 this year.

But Smith, who oversaw three Six Nations defeats before the championship was halted amid the coronavirus pandemic, has landed the job following an FIR federal council meeting.

Le prime reazioni del Capo Allenatore #Italrugby @SmithrugbySmith dopo la conferma alla guida degli Azzurri. La settimana prossima la conferenza stampa ufficiale #insieme #rugbypassioneitaliana pic.twitter.com/9CwXWriJIo

— Italrugby (@Federugby) May 30, 2020

The 47-year-old will continue to be assisted by a coaching team that also includes Giampiero De Carli and Marius Goosen.

Smith's contract will reportedly run until after the 2023 World Cup in France.