Nick Mallett Leaving Italy

flyswatter

From the BBC.


Italy have confirmed that coach Nick Mallett will not have his contract renewed when it expires after the World Cup in New Zealand this autumn.
The 54-year-old South African, who took over after the 2007 World Cup, has led his team to six wins in 36 games.
Perpignan coach Jacques Brunel has been strongly linked with the role.
"The federation has taken the decision not to continue the relationship with Nick Mallett," read an Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) statement.
"[The decision is] due to previous experience of how a relationship between a coach and the national team that lasts more than four years might not produce the expected results."
The FIR would not reveal who would take over although reports in January indicated Brunel had been lined up to succeed Mallett.
Mallett took over from Pierre Berbizier in 2007, signing a four-year deal.
His Six Nations record of three wins in 20 games was marginally better than Italy's record before he arrived - five wins and one draw in 40 matches.
This season, Italy finished with their fourth consecutive wooden spoon despite recording their biggest win in the competition to date, a 22-21 victory over France in Rome.
But Italy's campaign was dogged by question marks over Mallett's future and Brunel said at the start of the year: "I've thought about it for many weeks but this Italian offer is unique at my age."
Mallett was linked with the performance director job at the Rugby Football Union but before the Six Nations campaign the former South Africa and Stade Francais coach ruled out coming to England, insisting: "It is not a job I'd get a lot of pleasure out of doing."
Under Mallett, Italy have beaten Fiji, Samoa and Argentina - and Scotland twice - as well as that win over France in March.




Anyone surprised by this or has he taken Italy as far as they can go?

phog

flyswatter wrote: »

From the BBC.



Anyone surprised by this or has he taken Italy as far as they can go?

Not surprised because it was announced during AIs or the 6Ns that he'd be leaving, what surprised me then was that they announced so early and still didint replace him. It must unusual for a coach to go into a W/C knowing that this is your last game.

Kaka10

I hope Ireland can secure him after the world cup.

durkadurka

Did he leave a forwarding address for letters from refs?

brian77

he will be missed in italy!

almighty1

Definitely help Italy along with their development but will always be remembered by me for his disgraceful fake letter antics with Romain Poite.

freyners

record doesnt do the work hes done justice...italy away now is a tougher match than it was 4 yrs ago imo

kevin99

Mallett did nothing exceptional for Italy. They have big, powerful forwards and little talent in the backs. Admittedly, he didn't have a large number of players of international standard to choose from.
Don't know how much his contract was worth but Italy need to bring in decent half backs and centres.
Just hope they aren't playing well in the World cup.

castie

kevin99 wrote: »

Mallett did nothing exceptional for Italy. They have big, powerful forwards and little talent in the backs. Admittedly, he didn't have a large number of players of international standard to choose from.
Don't know how much his contract was worth but Italy need to bring in decent half backs and centres.
Just hope they aren't playing well in the World cup.

Beating France isnt exceptional?

Does he have to win a World Cup?

Jemo

He was good for them, I think EOS could bring them on a lot too if he was interested in a return to Europe post RWC. I understand that they have someone else in line, I don't know much about him though. Must be of good calibre to be coaching a high ranked French side but then again he may struggle in a different environment.

danthefan

He has a fairly shocking win/loss ratio alright. Taking an international team from where Italy where up to the level of the old 5N teams takes decades though. France were absolutely rubbish for about 50 years.

kevin99

Beating France was a one off.
Not talking about his achievements outside of Italy.
Read my post.

How much progress has Italy made under his stewardship?
Yes they defeated France and Scotland twice. But is that good enough. Did he achieve the progess the Italy rugby union sought?
Sure even Ireland have beaten France on the odd occasion!

I just don't think he utilised the backline and he seemed to stick with players who are past their sell by date. I accept he doesn't have a large pool of top players to choose from. Even so, I would have expected more.

Sandwlch

IRFU ! Move now! (They probably are as we type). Nail down a deal for post world cup before someone else gets to him.

almighty1

Sandwlch wrote: »

IRFU ! Move now! (They probably are as we type). Nail down a deal for post world cup before someone else gets to him.

Are you for real? :eek:

Sandwlch

almighty1 wrote: »

Are you for real? :eek:

Absolutely. Despite the poor win ratio I think he did a good job for Italy and did bring them forward with meagre raw material.
Who else would you suggest we get?

CatFromHue

flyswatter wrote: »

"[The decision is] due to previous experience of how a relationship between a coach and the national team that lasts more than four years might not produce the expected results."

thats a fairly important line

pretty much the same reason cheika left leinster, though i think he had them for 5 years.

durkadurka

After a while they're sick of listening to someone i think.

almighty1

Sandwlch wrote: »

Absolutely. Despite the poor win ratio I think he did a good job for Italy and did bring them forward with meagre raw material.
Who else would you suggest we get?

Personally I dont think he would be up to the job. Granted that his record as SA coach was impressive I just dont think that Ireland will be in the business for a new coach.

jolley123

I'd like a new coach post WC personally. I'd like to see a coach with no provincial ties. Preferably a SH coach who is an enthusiast of attacking rugby. IMO it's the style of rugby that suits Ireland better than the conservative style.

Nick Mallet did a great job for Italy, evidence of that was shown after they beat France. He was in tears, and all the players embraced him. It seems like he's a real squad coach who is very passionate about what he does.

Burgo

almighty1 wrote: »

Personally I dont think he would be up to the job. Granted that his record as SA coach was impressive I just dont think that Ireland will be in the business for a new coach.

You mean keep Kidney as coach? It all depends on how well the team preforms in the warm ups and the world cup, we didn't exactly have a stellar six nations, if we under preform like we did then I wouldn't bet on him holding on to his position.

almighty1

Burgo wrote: »

You mean keep Kidney as coach? It all depends on how well the team preforms in the warm ups and the world cup, we didn't exactly have a stellar six nations, if we under preform like we did then I wouldn't bet on him holding on to his position.

I agree totally. But I bet that the IRFU are putting all their efforts into making this WC a success for Ireland instead of wondering about the "what ifs" after.

Thats actually the funny thing I find about rugby. With all the etiquette that comes with the fine game the one thing I find puzzling is that managers, players and clubs will announce their intentions for the following season midway through the active season.

E.g. Warwick moving to Stade Francais.
Wright moving to Stade Francais.
Mallet leaving Italy after World Cup etc etc

What is the purpose of this? Why not wait until the current season/tournament is over until they unveil their intentions like they do in soccer?

whysomoody

I would imagine it is because they might not have job lined up (managers) and need to get a bit of publicity to get a new one, and also the long lead times mean they could be considered.