Wednesday 14 January 2015 17:56, UK
Waikato Chiefs assistant coach Tom Coventry has confirmed he will take over as London Irish coach at the end of the Super Rugby season.
Coventry will replace Brian Smith, who left the club on Tuesday for personal reasons - he was due to leave at the end of the season to return home to Australia.
The 48-year-old is looking forward to his new challenge, but will not let it take away from his focus on a final season with the Hamilton-based Chiefs.
"I have a job to do with the Chiefs this season and will concentrate on the next phase of my career with London Irish at the end of the Super Rugby season," he said.
"I have enjoyed my time with the Chiefs and will continue to do so until it is time to go, but I think to stay fresh as a coach it is important to immerse yourself in new environments, new challenges and experiences which is what I am going to do."
London Irish development director Bob Casey said: “Tom proved to be an outstanding candidate given his individual character and rugby experience.
"He comes from the best rugby environment in the world where he has had much success and worked with two of New Zealand’s leading coaches in Wayne Smith and Dave Rennie.
“It is a great coup for London Irish to secure a coach of Tom’s calibre to lead our rugby programme over the coming seasons. We look forward to welcoming Tom and his family into the London Irish family.”
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie believes that the move will be good for Coventry.
He told the Chiefs website: "Tom is an excellent coach who has been a big part of our success.
"He’s brought a physical edge to our forward play and has the experience and knowledge to do a great job as head coach at London Irish. We wish him well.”
Glenn Delaney will be in charge of the struggling Exiles for the rest of the season.
