Declan Kidney’s era as Irish rugby coach doomed after shock defeat to Italy in Rome

Irish rugby coach Declan Kidney may have to say arividerci to his job after Saturday’s embarrassing 22-15 defeat to Italy in Rome’s Olympic stadium.

Ireland’s first ever Six Nations defeat to the Azzuri sees them rooted to the bottom of the championship table ahead of the France-Scotland game.

Kidney’s contract is up in the summer and the calls for his head were relentless after the Italian defeat.

O’Driscoll, one of three Irish players sin-binned on the day, was lucky not to receive a red card for stamping in what many feel could be his final appearance in an Ireland shirt.

It was bad day at the office for the visitors whose 15 points all came from the boot of young out-half Paddy Jackson.

Italy scored the only try of the game through winger Venditti in the 49th minute while Luciano Orquera kicked 14 points and Gonzalo Garcia added a long-range penalty.