Former Rugby World Cup winner and New Zealand full-back Kieran Crowley was named the new head coach of Italy's national men's rugby team on a three-year contract by the Italian Rugby Federation on Wednesday.

Crowley replaces Franco Smith, a South African, who took up the position after the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Smith will now take up a new role as the head of high performance in Italian rugby.

Crowley, 59, will officially assume his duties on July 1 and will be assisted by Andrea Moretti, Marius Goosen, Corrado Pilat and Giovanni Sanguin.

Crowley has been in charge of Italian club Benetton, which plays in the PRO14. since 2016. He previously coached at international level with Canada between 2008 and 2016.

Crowley, who lifted the Webb Ellis trophy in 1987, said he was looking forward to the challenge of reinvigorating the team, known as the Azzurri.

"In the five years with Benetton Rugby, I've been able to learn and understand the country and its rugby culture, an understanding which I cannot wait to develop as head coach of the national team," Crowley said.

Crowley's main challenge will be making Italy a competitive side ahead of the 2023 Rugby Word Cup, especially in light of the team's sixth straight last-place finish in the Six Nations.

(With input from agencies)