Aviva Premiership Rugby Football Union club the London Irish have confirmed the appointment of Tom Coventry as the new man in charge at the club starting from the 2015/16 season, replacing the departed Brian Smith.
The 48 year old is currently serving as the assistant coach at New Zealand Super Rugby side the Chiefs and will resign from his position before taking charge of the Exiles.
The London based outfit are currently lying at 11th in the standings of the Aviva Premiership after managing to secure just four wins all season. Coventry said that the owners of the club have a clear vision about the club and they have made it clear to him how they want the club to perform in the next few years.
Coventry went on to add that it is an exciting challenge for him and he just cannot wait to get stuck in once he takes charge at the club. He mentioned that he has immensely enjoyed the time he spent with the Chiefs but said in order to remain fresh as a coach, one needs a regular change of environment and that was the main reason behind him taking the job with the London Irish.
Bob Casey, the director at the club said that they had conducted a long and extensive search internationally for a replacement for Brian Smith and in Coventry; they have found a coach of exceptional calibre, who they feel, will take the club forward in the next few years.
The London Irish boss went on to add that Coventry has been a part of the best environment for rugby in the world and has learnt his trade from some of the most respected and experienced coaches in New Zealand and that will serve him well when he takes over at the club.