Italy appoint Brendan Venter as new defence coach

Former London Irish coach Brendan Venter has been appointed as the new defence coach of Italy until the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

The former centre has played 17 matches for his home side Springboks between 1994 and 1999 and became part of London Irish as a player, coach and then as a Technical Director.

The 47-year-old will join his former London Irish team-mate and the current head coach of Italy, Conor O'Shea, who had high praises for Venter.

"I played and worked with Brendan at London Irish in the past and I believe that this agreement is the best it can be, for us and for him," said O'Shea.

"Brendan has had a great impact on the group and we are excited to be working with him for years to come.

"He is a coach respected by the whole international rugby scene and we are proud that he wanted to commit until the next World Cup."

Venter, who is a qualified doctor completed his degree at University of the Orange Free State and will be allowed to practice medicines in South Africa during the Test window of the Azzurris. He was also part of Italy's backroom staff that defeated Springboks by 20-18 during the November Tests.

A statement from Italy's rugby federation read: "The new relationship between Venter and the FIR will see the South African involved with the national team during all World Rugby windows, putting him in a position to continue to practise as a doctor in his home country."

Venter also had brief stints with Aviva Premiership club Saracens and Currie League team Sharks before he joined London Irish.