Salvi completes switch to Benetton

By Mark Stevens
10/6/22

Italian side Benetton Rugby have confirmed former Exeter Chiefs defence coach Julian Salvi has joined them ahead of next season.

The 36-year-old departed Sandy Park back in April after Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, admitted he was looking to make changes within his coaching department.

Since then, Haydn Thomas took over defensive duties in the interim, before the Chiefs confirmed this week that former Bristol Bears coach Omar Mouneimne would replace Salvi for the 2022/23 campaign.

Australian Salvi joined Exeter’s coaching staff in the summer of 2018 after three years as a Chiefs player. He previously represented Leicester Tigers and Bath in the English top-flight, as well as playing back home with the Brumbies for eight years.

Salvi’s move to the United Rugby Championship club comes after former Harlequins head coach Paul Gustard departed the club this week to take on the defence coach role at Stade Francais.