Italy line up Brunel

FIR president Giancarlo Dondi has said that Jacques Brunel will soon be confirmed as the new coach of the national team.

FIR president says Perpignan coach will replace Mallett

Italian Rugby Federation president Giancarlo Dondi has said that Jacques Brunel will soon be confirmed as the new coach of the national team. According to Dondi, the Perpignan coach had been lined up to replace Nick Mallett, who will leave the post when his contract expires after the World Cup later this year. The FIR chief said: "Jacques Brunel has not yet signed his contract but he will be named coach in the coming days." Mallett, 54, succeeded Pierre Berbizier as Italy coach in October 2007 and had expressed his wish to sign a new deal with the Azzurri.