Head Coach Kieran Crowley signs new contract with Benetton Rugby

Sep 25 • General News, Guinness Pro14 • 950 Views • Comments Off on Head Coach Kieran Crowley signs new contract with Benetton Rugby

Benetton Rugby is pleased to announce that Kieran Crowley will continue to be Head Coach until 30th June 2022.

Born in Kaponga (New Zealand) on August 31, 1961, All Blacks no.848 Crowley won the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987. Kieran arrived in Treviso in the summer of 2016.

Previously his coaching career had seen him leading Taranaki from 1998 to 2007 including success in the ITM Cup.

From 2002 to 2003 he held the position of selector for the All Blacks, and was later the head coach of the New Zealand Under-19 national team leading them to victory in the World Championship.

In 2008, Crowley was the head coach of the Canadian national team, taking them to Rugby World Cups in 2011 and 2015 and to their highest ever world ranking.

After finishing in last position in the 2015/2016 season, Crowley’s arrival saw Benetton Rugby finish in tenth place in his first year in charge.

The following year, in the Guinness PRO14, Benetton Rugby took fifth place in conference B, setting their own record of victories (11) in the competition.

Until last season, Benetton Rugby reached the Guinness PRO14 quarter-finals for the first time in the club history and came close to making the Semi Finals in the match against Munster.

On 5 May 2019 in Dublin, Crowley was nominated and then won the PRO 14 “Coach of the year” award, making him the first coach of an Italian franchise to win the important recognition.

“I am very happy to continue my experience with Benetton Rugby, I arrived three years ago believing in this project and I still believe in the club’s vision. We are heading in the right direction, with a club made up of good people who, regardless of their role and rank, do their best for the good of the club.

Last year we did something important, but this is a new year, with new challenges, we start from scratch, so it is up to us to continue working hard and grow to reach new goals.”

Benetton Rugby Sporting Director Antonio Pavanello added: “After a summer of negotiations, we are proud to continue our project with Crowley and that he has again chosen Benetton Rugby.

Our satisfaction is reinforced and are convinced that Kieran is the right figure to continue our journey. We will put together the best means to achieve great results together.

Finally I would like to express my personal happiness because in Kieran, I’ve found a coach to work well with, share my ideas and start a long term project.”