Welshman Rowland Phillips has been appointed as the new head coach of Heineken Cup Pool 4 side Aironi.

The Board of the Italian franchise yesterday decided that Phillips should replace Franco Bernini, who has now become the new technical manager at the club.

The European new-boys are plying their trade for the first time in the Magners League competition as well this season and are still without a win in any competition.

Phillips arrived in Northern Italy last summer as defence coach, a role he has also held with the Ospreys and Wales.

He will now take charge of the coach team that includes Andrea Moretti, Andrew Scotney and Antonio Zanichelli.

As technical manager Bernini will be responsible for the growth and progression of the younger players at the club.