RUGBY: Coventry now Bay co-coach | Hawkes Bay Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Hawkes Bay

It's no secret the Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby team's forward pack is one of the best in the Air New Zealand Cup.

The success the pack has experienced during the past three seasons has a lot to do with the work put in by forwards coach Tom Coventry.

 Magpies fans can expect that success to continue as Coventry, like the Magpies head coach for the past three seasons Peter Russell, has been reappointed for the next two seasons.

"Over the last three seasons, Tom has formed an excellent coaching combination with Peter Russell that has achieved considerable success with the Hawke's Bay Magpies reaching the semifinals of the Air New Zealand Cup in each of those years only to be defeated by the eventual competition winners on each occasion," said Hawke's Bay Rugby Football Union's CEO Mike Bishop when announcing Coventry's reappointment today.

"In some ways, Tom has been the unsung hero of that success and hasn't necessarily received his just reward in the media for the part he has played in it."

Bishop also announced Coventry, a former New Zealand Secondary Schools team coach, and Russell would be designated co-coaches from today.

"This has been instigated with the approval of Peter and Tom and is a reflection of two things: the need to give Tom a boost in profile within his Magpies role and the fact Peter is now spending part of the year involved in Rebel Sport Super rugby," said Bishop.

"Along with being the co-coach of the Hawke's Bay Magpies, Tom will also continue to fill a vital role as rugby development co-ordinator.

"This involves the coaching and upskilling of coaches and will see him working closely with our schools and clubs to develop coaching skills across the region."

Coventry is looking forward to continuing his work with Russell, the Magpies squad and team management.

"We have achieved a great deal and are determined to enhance that success in the next two years," said Coventry.