Kirwan wants Italians to win Six Nations within five years
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.John Kirwan, the new Italian coach, has declared his intention to win the Six Nations' Championship within five years. The former All Black, who yesterday announced his squad for the forthcoming tour of New Zealand, said: "I want Italy to win the Six Nations in about five years.
"I want to create an elite group of about 75 players to work and reach a high standard as soon as possible.
"To do that I will need the help of the clubs and a technical staff who can guarantee quality and continuity."
Kirwan faces a massive task if he truly expects to turn the Azzurri into a European force. He took over last month from compatriot Brad Johnstone, who led Italy to just one win in three Six Nations campaigns. There were rumours of a split in the Italian camp during the last Six Nations, with half of the team thought to have lost faith in Johnstone.
Kirwan, who had worked under Johnstone, pledged to build a team able to compete with England and France and he has specific goals for the build-up to the next Six Nations.
"I want two victories from the team in the New Zealand matches, qualification for the World Cup, the victory against Argentina in the friendly on 16 November and a good game against Australia a week later," Kirwan said. "And in the next Six Nations we want at least one victory."
The first matches for Kirwan will be in the tour to his homeland, New Zealand, which begins on 29 May with a match against Manawatu in Palmerston North, then against a Divisional XV in Taupo on 2 June and a one-off Test against the All Blacks in Hamilton six days later.
That will be the All Blacks' first international of the season and coach John Mitchell's first game in control since taking over from Wayne Smith.
* Ian McGeechan has named five newcomers in a 38-strong Scotland squad ahead of their game against the Barbarians on 1 June. The new boys are Orrell centre Andy Craig, Worcester full-back Ben Hinshelwood, Glasgow Hawks centre Tom Philip, Hawick wing Nick Walker and Stirling County back-row forward Allistern.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments