Blues assistant coach Tom Coventry. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Respected pair Tom Coventry and Stephen Jones will join the Moana Pasifika coaching staff, bringing a wealth of international experience into their Super Rugby Pacific campaign next year.
Forward coach specialist Coventry has tasted Super Rugby success as a coach with the Chiefs and his résumé includes stints with the Blues Manu Samoa, New Zealand Schools, New Zealand U20s, and four years as co-coach of Hawke's Bay.
Moana's new head coach Tana Umaga said he was aware of Coventry's strengths after the pair worked together at the Blues and Manu Samoa.
"His passion for the game and ability to pass on and educate players on our game of rugby is what we will need going forward with Moana Pasifika, especially with a lot of young and exciting forwards this season," Umaga said.
Jones, 46, is a former Wales test great, having scored 917 points in 104 tests, primarily at first five-eighth.
He was the Welsh backline coach for four years and helped steer them to a Six Nations title in 2021,
Stephen Jones playing a Test for Wales against the All Blacks in 2010. Photo: photosport
Umaga believed Jones could make an impact on his team's attacking game.
"He brings a different style of thought process to us as well as the necessary skillset for our attack and kicking strategy," Umaga said.
"He'll also be able to develop our first five-eighths and game drivers which is crucial for not only Moana Pasifika but Samoa and Tonga as well."
Coventry and Jones complete Moana's 2024 group of assistant coaches, alongside scrum coach Pauliasi Manu and skills coach Damian Karauna.