Former Canada rugby coach Kieran Crowley named Pro14 coach of the year
DUBLIN — Former Canada rugby coach Kieran Crowley has been named Guinness Pro14 coach of the year.
The former New Zealand international led Italy’s Benetton Rugby to the quarterfinals of the European league, which features teams from Italy, Scotland, South Africa, Ireland and Wales, after a 12-8-2 regular season.
Ireland’s Munster needed a late penalty to edge Benetton 15-13 as Crowley’s squad became the first Italian team to feature in the Guinness Pro14 playoffs.
Crowley’s award was voted on by his fellow coaches. He was up against Connacht’s Andy Friend and Leinster’s Leo Cullen at Sunday night’s awards ceremony.