Franco Smith appointed full-time Italy head coach

Italy have confirmed former South Africa international Franco Smith as the full-time head coach of the national side.

Smith, who has played nine Tests for the Springboks between 1996 and 1999 has worked with Free State Cheetahs, Super Rugby side Cheetahs and Treviso in the past.

The 47-year-old was assigned the interim role during the Six Nations earlier this year taking over from Conor O'Shea but now has been given a permanent role despite Italy were defeated 0-42, 0-17 and 22-35 in the games against Wales, Scotland and France respectively.

Smith will be assisted by Marius Goosen, while Giampiero De Carli and Alessandro Troncon will be in charge of the forwards and backs respectively. Quintin Kruger and Giovanni Sanguin will overseeing the physical preparations.

The extent of Smith's contract with Italy has not been revealed but it is reported that the board wants to give him an extended run until the 2023 World Cup.

Italy are positioned 14th in the World Rugby Rankings with points of 71.07.