Regarded as one of the greatest All Blacks of all time, Italy coach John Kirwan will be making his third appearance at the Rugby World Cup, although his first in a coaching capacity after representing New Zealand in both 1987 and 1991.
Kirwan, who will celebrate his 39th birthday in December, succeeded fellow All Black Brad Johnstone at the Italian helm in May 2002, having been his assistant for the previous nine months, and is starting to see the rewards of his hard work.
The New Zealander is no stranger to Italy having spent many an off season playing with Treviso, helping them win the championship in 1989, and has an Italian wife. He also scored one of the greatest Rugby World Cup tries against Italy in 1987.
Kirwan, a former manager and assistant coach of the Auckland Blues in the Super 12, scored a then record 35 tries in 63 Tests for the All Blacks in the decade following his debut as a 19 year old against France at Christchurch in June 1984.
The wing, who became the first All Black to win 50 Test caps in 1992, represented his native Auckland as a player for over a decade.