Conor O’Shea has expressed his pride at leading Italy over the past three years as their World Cup came to an end in Japan.
The impending arrival of Super Typhoon Hagibis meant that Italy’s final pool game against New Zealand on Saturday has been cancelled, ending the Azzurri’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.
That was understandably disappointing for O’Shea and his team, but he wrote on Instagram just how proud he was to have been able to take charge of the team since 2016.
He said: “Definitely not the way it was supposed to end in Japan but it has been a privilege to bring this group of men through an incredible experience at the Rugby World Cup.
“The journey this group of players is on is really special and we all hope we are contributing to leaving the jersey in a better place for those who come after.
“Pride of place in my rugby collection will be the jersey I got signed by Sergio Parisse, Leonardo Ghiraldini and Alessandro Zanni, three legends who have given everything they have for the Italian jersey.
“Thanks to all our friends, family and supporters for the sacrifices they have made to allow us to be here and we will be stronger for every day and every challenge we have faced. Thanks too to everyone in Japan.â€
Leonardo Ghiraldini had battled back from a serious knee injury to make the 31-man squad and had been due to feature in the game against the All Blacks.
He took to Twitter to express his thanks to those who had supported him during his rehab.
He said: “Sadly our World Cup journey ends here and not having the chance to run onto the pitch with this jersey leaves a mark.
“I want to thank everyone with all my heart for all the messages and in particular those who have supported me over the last few months in this incredible challenge (which was achieved).”
The Azzurri had started their competition with successive bonus-point victories over Namibia and Canada, before losing to South Africa last Friday.
As a result of the cancelled game against the All Blacks, they finish Pool B in third place, securing their place in the 2023 World Cup in France.
Italy will now return home with the next time the national team come together being in preparation for the 2020 Guinness Six Nations, when current Toyota Cheetahs coach Franco Smith will be in charge.
The Azzurri kick off that campaign against Grand Slam champions Wales in Cardiff, before a trip to Paris in round two.
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Source: 6 Nations