Saracens forwards coach Adrian Kennedy has been named as the new head coach of Taranaki.
Sarries coach set to take over thr reins at New Zealand side
Saracens forwards coach Adrian Kennedy has been named as the new head coach of Taranaki.
The current forwards coach at Vicarage Road, Kennedy is set to take the reins of the New Zealand club in June 2008 - once he has completed the current season with Saracens.
Having joined Saracens in 2006, Kennedy will return to his home country on a three-year deal with the Taranaki Rugby Football Union.
"This is a very exciting opportunity for me," he said.
"I have really enjoyed my time with Saracens and will be working hard for the rest of this campaign to ensure we continue to build on what has been our most successful start to the season in nine years.
Exciting
"Saracens have progressed well in the past year and it's an exciting time to be part of the club. But this is a fantastic opportunity in terms of my career development and one which I am looking forward to.
"However, I will remain with Saracens for the remainder of this season so I won't be saying any goodbyes just yet as we have a lot of hard work to do between now and the end of the season."
Kennedy joined Saracens following spells in South Africa, Ireland and Italy. As a player, he represented Canterbury in New Zealand and then coached with his home town side before moving overseas.
"We're disappointed that Adrian will be leaving us but this is a fantastic opportunity for him and we wish him all the best," said Saracens boss Alan Gaffney.
"You cannot say enough about the work he and the rest of the coaching staff put in on a daily basis and it's fantastic for him that his efforts have been noticed by Taranaki and he will make a very good head coach for the province."
