The Italian Rugby Federation confirmed the appointment of Brunel which will take effect from the end of the tournament.

Brunel has agreed a four-year contract which will see him in charge until the end of the World Cup in England in 2015.

The FIR had announced on April 23 that Mallett would leave his post after the World Cup despite the former Springboks coach indicating he would like to remain in the job.

A statement on the FIR website, www.federugby.it, said: “Brunel’s profile has been identified by FIR at the conclusion of a selection process which involved technical expertise and proven international reputation.”

Brunel helped France reach the World Cup semi-finals in both 2003 and 2007 when he worked with the forwards as assistant to coach Bernard Laporte.

In his new role he will coach the national team and also work with the academy players.

FIR president Giancarlo Dondi’s said in a statement: “We are delighted to have reached an agreement with Brunel, a coach who has achieved great results both with the French national team and as coach of Perpignan, which in 2009 won the French championship.

“We believe strongly in the skills and human resources of Brunel, who in the past we had got to know and appreciate, and we want to work with him to continue to develop high-level Italian rugby.

“We decided to formalise his employment six months in advance to give a clear message of the future.

“I would like to thank Nick Mallett for the great work he has done over the last three and a half years, particularly the unforgettable victory over France in the last Six Nations.

“We are confident that Mallett will continue to devote the utmost professionalism, even in the next few months, to his office in order to lead Italy in the World Cup in New Zealand.”

Mallett led Italy to a memorable 22-21 win over France in the last RBS 6 Nations but as one of just six wins in 36 games he took charge of it will undoubtedly be one of the defining moments of his tenure.

Brunel added: “I thank President Dondi and all the Italian Rugby Federation for this unique opportunity that was offered to me and I look with enthusiasm the start of my new assignment.

“Italy today has been a rugby nation for over 10 years, playing in the 6 Nations and (with clubs) in the Magners League and will continue to make great strides.

“In the coming months I will study the national Italian rugby from the outside, closely following the path of the Azzurri in the World Cup in New Zealand and at the end of the tournament I will begin to work directly with the national team and the entire movement.”