The Italians avoided the Wooden Spoon in this years RBS 6 Nations tournament, in which they defeated Scotland, and Kirwan believes the team have vast potential.

But he could walk away from the job unless offered long-term security and contract talks in a fortnights time promise to be crucial.

Kirwan said: I believe the last Six Nations was more than positive for us and I'm happy with it.

The only thing I can't accept is losing badly the last game in Cardiff which has left me a little mad and upset, but we are a young team and we will grow up and forget it.

Im very happy to stay and I hope to do so.

In about two weeks there is a meeting in the federal council and from then we will all know what might happen, which hopefully will be positive for both sides.

But my aim is to stay with a long-term contract which will take us to the 2007 World Cup.

Im not interested in short-term because I would like to develop this young team which hopefully will take us in near or alongside the best teams.

My aim is also to create a strong background staff, starting I hope with the appointment of a threequarters coach who will possibly be French, which would be the best solution for our game play.

I'm so happy to work for the Italian Rugby Federation and I think at present my job has been positive, but obviously if I can go on with it I want more from my players, which will be the best thing for the Italian rugby movement.

Kirwan has reason to be optimistic about the days ahead.

Andrea De Rossi shone in his role as captain.

Paul Griffen, the Azzurris New Zealand-born scrum half, and prop Andrea Lo Cicero were key performers in the Italians campaign and look to have promising futures.