27 Apr 2011

Jacques Brunel tipped as Italy's next rugby coach

9:06 am on 27 April 2011

Jacques Brunel is expected to take over Nick Mallet as coach of Italy after the Rugby World Cup later this year.

The Italian Rugby Federation says Brunel has not yet signed his contract but will be named as coach in the coming days.

Brunel, currently coaches French Top 14 team Perpignan.

Mallett took over the role from Frenchman Pierre Berbizier following the last World Cup in 2007.

Italy won just three out of 20 Six Nations matches under Mallett, his record was marginally better than Italy's Six Nations record before he arrived.