Rugby, Franco Smith leaves FIR

Former coach Franco Smith has terminated his contract with the Italian Federation

The Italian Rugby Federation has announced that the contract with Franco Smith has been terminated by mutual consent. “The South African coach has held the role of Federal High Level Manager since May 2021, after leading the Men’s Major National Team as head coach in the Guinness Six Nations 2020 and 2021 and the Autumn Nations Cup 2020,” is the FIR note.

“FIR has agreed to release Franco Smith from all ties with immediate effect, in full agreement with the Scottish Rugby Union, pandering to Smith’s repeatedly expressed desire to return to a technical position and within a broader framework of cooperation between the two Federations.”

“The Federal President, the Board and the entire Technical Area of FIR thank Franco for the valuable work he has done in the roles he has held, for the professionalism and passion he has shown and for having actively contributed to the growth of elite Italian rugby and wish him the best of success for the future challenges that await him.”