14 Jan 2015

Coventry linked to London Irish

9:12 am on 14 January 2015

The Chiefs assistant coach Tom Coventry has been linked to the top job at English rugby club London Irish.

The London Irish director of rugby, the Australian Brian Smith has left the club with immediate effect for family reasons.

2013 Chiefs Super Rugby winning coaches Wayne Smith, Andrew Strawbridge, Tom Coventry and Dave Rennie.

2013 Chiefs Super Rugby winning coaches Wayne Smith, Andrew Strawbridge, Tom Coventry and Dave Rennie. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The BBC is reporting that Coventry has been lined up to replace Smith in time for next season, meaning he'll be able to continue with the Chiefs this season.

The Exiles are 11th in the English Premiership table with just four wins this term.

Forwards coach Glenn Delaney will be the interim head coach until the end of the season, with Coventry - who was part of the Chiefs coaching set-up which won the Super Rugby title in 2012 and 2013 - expected to join in time for the start of next season.

Coventry has also been an assistant coach at international level with Samoa as well as taking charge of Hawke's Bay.

Former Ireland coach Declan Kidney has also been linked with the London Irish job.

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