Mallett takes up reins in Italy

Nick Mallett has been confirmed as the new head coach of Italy

Nick Mallett has been confirmed as the new head coach of Italy. The ex-South Africa coach succeeds former France scrum-half Pierre Berbizier, who left the job after the Azzurri's World Cup exit on Sunday.

Italy were thwarted in their attempts to reach the quarter-finals in France when they went down 18-16 to Scotland in their last group game.

Mallett, 50, had been linked with the Wales post but indicated he would not be interested in the position.