Pivac has signed a contract as first-team head coach with the Italian club until June 2028, with the option of two further seasons.
“After Japan, we had come back to New Zealand with a view of just sort of semi-retiring,” said Pivac.
“I’ve been helping the local club with coaching coaches and doing recruiting out of the schools, identifying the young talents, which I’ve enjoyed doing.
“I said to my agent it’d have to be something special and a few clubs popped up which weren’t of interest.
“Then the phone call came through that Benetton were interested in having a conversation.
“We did that quickly, one Zoom led to another, and before you know it, we decided to accept an offer, so that’s where we’re heading.”
Pivac has brought in former Scarlets and Wales fly-half Rhys Patchell as his attack coach.
“I know Rhys pretty well and he has got a fantastic work ethic,” said Pivac.
“We signed him from Cardiff and he was a big part of us winning the championship with the Scarlets in 2017 and that was a special time in Welsh regional rugby.
“He understood the way we wanted to play and was able to execute what we wanted on the field and in training.”
Pivac believes the duo will improve each other despite a 30-year age gap.
“He’s going to make a very good coach,” said Pivac. “I know the Benetton people are excited about the one and only signing I’ve done to date, which is Rhys.
“I am looking forward to helping him kickstart his coaching career.
“For a young coach to be in with an older experienced coach, it’s a win-win.
“He’ll keep me young and hopefully I’ll help him in the trying moments to relax and enjoy it for what it is.”
