MOANA PASIFIKA ENHANCE COACHING STAFF WITH WORLD-CLASS TALENT FOR 2024 SEASON
Toaigaotumua Tom Coventry and Stephen Jones new addition to Moana Pasifika coaching staff
Moana Pasifika, representing the Pacific Islands in the Super Rugby Pacific competition, has announced the appointment of two distinguished coaches, Toaigaotumua Tom Coventry and Stephen Jones, to their coaching staff for the 2024 season. These additions bring a wealth of international experience and expertise to the team and have been warmly received in the rugby community.
Toaigaotumua Tom Coventry, a former New Zealand flanker, has established himself as one of the top forwards coaches in New Zealand. With three Super Rugby titles under his belt with the Blues and the Chiefs, Coventry's coaching résumé includes notable positions with Manu Samoa, New Zealand Schools, New Zealand U20s, and a successful four-year stint as Co-Head Coach of Hawke’s Bay. His ability to nurture young talent and mould a strong forward pack has been vital to the success of the teams he has worked with. Coventry's close collaboration with Head Coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga, both at the Blues and with Manu Samoa, promises to be a valuable asset for Moana Pasifika as they embark on the 2024 season.
Stephen Jones, a Welsh rugby legend with over 100 caps for his national team, has taken on the role of Backs Coach for Moana Pasifika. Jones' illustrious playing career includes a Six Nations Championship, a Welsh Premier Division Title, and two British and Irish Lions tours. As a coach, he contributed to Wales securing a Six Nations Title and Triple Crown in 2021 and played a crucial role in the Scarlets Club's journey to Champions Cup Rugby and PRO14 title success in 2016-2017. His appointment brings a distinct offensive flair to Moana Pasifika's 2024 season. Jones is excited to lend his expertise to the style of rugby played in the Pacific and the Southern Hemisphere and help develop the next generation of Pasifika talent.
Head Coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga expressed his excitement about having coaches of Coventry and Jones' calibre join Moana Pasifika. He highlighted their unique skill sets and the positive impact they will have on the team's attack and kicking strategy, as well as the development of key positions like first five-eights and game drivers.
Coventry and Jones complete the 2024 group of Assistant Coaches, joining Scrum Coach Pauliasi Manu and Skills Coach Damian Karauna, who will continue their tenure with the club. Together, this coaching team is poised to take on the challenges of the Super Rugby Pacific competition and nurture the promising young talent within the Moana Pasifika squad. Rugby fans can look forward to an exciting 2024 season with a team that has bolstered its coaching staff with world-class expertise and experience.
