Rovigo – After a year and a half of experience Franco Smith As a high-level director of the Italian Rugby Federation, that already seems to be over. The 50-year-old South African, who has spent years playing and coaching in Treviso, where he lives, was adopted and is due to leave his post soon to become a coach. Glasgow Warriors, rivals Benetton and Zebra in the United Rugby Championship. Danny Wilson was sacked by the Scots on June 6. The confirmation, after the rumors spread, comes directly from the president of Fir Marzio Innocenti: “The matter is not yet final, but it is possible – he says – I am working with the managing director of the Scottish Federation, Mark Dodson, to find out. A solution if Franco is chosen. Glagosw is a federal franchise.

The solution sought is of a contractual and economic nature, not a technical one. “Smith has a contract with us— Innocenti explains – If you want to leave early, you will have to give six months’ notice. But I understand his situation. Franco has always said that he still wanted to coach after his experience as Italy coach. He seems too young for non-field technical work. When he got the offer, he rightly asked me if he could look at it and now, if he decides to accept it, we will find a way to let him, given the good relationship with the Scottish Federation. “

Technically, the loss of a top-level director doesn’t bother Innocenti. The Italian Job, as he called it, started by Smith, would continue in two directions. Operation of minor national teams (Italy A, Emerging) to help players develop. Depth to be achieved with at least 5 blue-eyed athletes per role. how “In a collective way. In the first phase there will be a contribution from everyone, then let’s see if a single figure will be adopted – the Federal President does not go deep into the explanations – in September / October, meanwhile, Italy will participate in A Toyota. Cup held in South Africa, 4 South African teams and 2 Irish teams. The other two competitions Smith has been working on, the Intercontinental Shield and Rugby Europe, are no longer interested. Instead, we’ll play another game against Spain and we’ll start catching up with Japan, Chile, Uruguay and Namibia to set up some challenges in the pre-World Cup window.

Pavanello and Ian Case
Now Smith’s place will not be taken by another Treviso, director of Benetton Antonio Pavanello, the club and its president Amerino Satta would have feared. “Antonio is one of the quality managers of Italian rugby – explains Innocenti – sooner or later he will reach the federation, but not now, suddenly, once the season starts, Benetton will be in trouble. He will also lend a hand to collegial management at the highest level, but he will remain where he is.
Speaking of Benetton, Innocenti’s closure is in the Monti Ion case. The 27-year-old winger, who is contracted to Treviso, did not attend the rally. She remained in Australia due to family issues with her wife who did not want to go to Europe. “The story concerns him and Benetton and let’s hope it will be resolved in a positive way with the view of the Autumn Tests, the 6 Nations and the World Cup”.