Italy
Brunel won't extend Italy contract
ESPN Staff
November 28, 2014
Jacques Brunel with Italy captain Sergio Parisse © Getty Images
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Head coach Jacques Brunel will not extend his contract with Italy when it expires in 2016 and will instead return to club rugby in his native France.

Brunel has been in charge since 2011, when he took over from South African Nick Mallett, has endured a mixed tenure as coach. There have been landmark Six Nations wins over France and Ireland but no obvious rankings improvement as Italy have failed to consistently break into the world's top 10. They currently sit 14th.

"I think five years at the head of a national team is a sufficient time, especially since I have already spent six years in management of the French national team," said Brunel.

Brunel was France forwards coach under Bernard Laporte from 2001 to 2007 and coached Perpignan to the Top 14 title in 2009. Brunel is seen as a potential replacement for Laporte at European Champions Toulon.

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