TOM Coventry has been announced as London Irish Head Coach for the start of the 2015-16 season.
The news follows the club’s confirmation yesterday that Director of Rugby Brian Smith had left the club with immediate effect.
The 48-year-old is currently assistant boss of New Zealand side the Chiefs, and will take on the new role after the end of the 2015 Investec Super Rugby season.
The Exiles are 11th in the Premiership table with just four wins this term.
Commenting on his decision to join London Irish, Coventry said: “The owners have a clear vision of where they want to take the Club and it is a challenge I am immensely excited by and I cannot wait to get stuck in when I join.
“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.”
The former loose forward has played an important role for the Chiefs, winning two Super Rugby titles in the last three years.
Coventry has also been involved with the Samoan squad as Co-Head Coach since 2011.
Forwards coach Glenn Delaney has been left in charge of the Exiles as the interim head coach until the end of the season.
