Johnstone facing the axe
August 30, 2001

The future of national team coach Brad Johnstone is the only item on the agenda Friday when the federal council of the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) meets.

New Zealander Johnstone, who did wonders with the Fijians taking them to a quarter-final play-off in the 1999 World Cup, is coming to the end of a two-year contract but has made it clear he wants to lead Italy into the 2003 World Cup.

Federation president Giancarlo Dondi is Johnstone's staunchest ally but other board members are known to be opposed to the former All Black prop who has sometimes ruffled feathers with his abrasive criticism of Italian club rugby.

"He (Johnstone) does not know how to make himself likeable but on the work side he is a very skilled operator," said Dondi.

Some members of the council are suggesting a new coaching troika be appointed with former All Black coach John Hart working in tandem with two more New Zealand legends in John Kirwan and Zinzan
Brooke.

All three have already been contacted by Italy general manager Fabrizio Gaetaniello but Dondi is opposed to such a plan. "In my opinion we are not ready for such a solution because it is more tailored to a leading rugby nation like England or the southern heisphere," explained Dondi.

"If it is necessary to make a break then we should consider a French coach." - Sapa-AFP

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