Kiwi coach Coventry returns home

He was in charge of the Exiles for just one season.

Coventry, who previously coached Samoa and was part of New Zealand outfit the Chiefs' backroom staff that won two successive Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013, said London Irish were in a good position to make an immediate return to the elite league.

"London Irish is in a good place to bounce immediately back into the top tier of the English game," said Coventry, who as a player played as a flank with Waikato.

"The club has recruited well with a sound balance of experience and youth supported by an excellent academy programme. I wish the club all the best in their future direction and drive for Premiership status," added Coventry, who has also coached the New Zealand Under-20 side.

London Irish Chief Executive Bob Casey said the decision had been taken in light of Coventry's family situation.

"Having undertaken a review of the past season and taken time to consider its implications, and given his family situation, our discussions with Tom have resulted in agreement that it is in his best interests to return to New Zealand," said Casey.

"On behalf of the Board and all associated with London Irish we thank him for his efforts over the past season and wish him and his family well for the future."

His time in charge was not a happy one as London Irish won just four games all season to finish bottom, seven points behind 11th-placed Newcastle.

Agence France-Presse