Rugby-Crowley to leave Italy coaching role after World Cup

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Six Nations Championship - Scotland v Italy - Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain - March 18, 2023 Italy head coach Kieran Crowley before the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne/File Photo

(Reuters) - Kieran Crowley will leave his role as Italy head coach after the World Cup later this year, the country's rugby governing body (FIR) said on Thursday despite the New Zealand coach's wish to extend his contract.

Former All Blacks fullback Crowley, who previously coached Canada at the 2015 World Cup, was appointed Italy coach in 2021 and he guided the Six Nations minnows to a famous win in Wales to end a 36-game losing streak in the competition.