Carving up the Warriors

He was in charge of the Celtic Warriors last season, but the Welsh Rugby Union's cull of the regional side left him out of a job.

"It's a positive challenge, something different," Howells told BBC Sport.

"I'm disillusioned with Welsh rugby after what's gone on in the last few months, seeing rugby torn apart in the valleys has left a sour taste."

In order to take up the position, Howells turned down an organisational role with the Cardiff Blues that would oversee their expansion as a rugby region into some of the areas formerly in the control of the Warriors.

It was just not proper treatment [from the WRU] and it leaves me angry Lynn Howells

"I had a fair offer from Cardiff, but this gives me more security and the chance to stay in coaching," said Howells, who has also coached the Pontypridd and Cardiff club sides.

"I wish the players and coaches in Wales the best, but disillusionment with what has gone on was a factor.

"[Since the demise of the Warriors] I have had only two meetings with the WRU.

"One was to tell me the side was disbanded, the other to let me know they were not going to pay me.

"It was just not proper treatment and it leaves me angry.

"Italy will be different and exciting. I will have to learn a new language, get engrossed in a different culture and see if I'm good enough to coach a team in that environment.

"I hope to make a big impact on Italian rugby."