Photo / Howick Hornets Facebook

Ruka Loza has been confirmed as the new head coach of the Howick Hornets premier rugby league team for the 2022 SAS Fox Memorial Premiership season.

Loza has been involved in the Hornets’ coaching set-up over the past few seasons and replaces long-serving Shaun Clark as the club’s head coach.

The club confirmed the move with a Facebook post.

“Howick Hornets are proud to announce the appointment of Ruka Loza as the head coach of the 2022 Premier team,” the post read.

“Ruka has been an integral part of our coaching setup over the past few years assisting in bringing the Fox Memorial to the club in 2019. We are excited to continue our Fox domination journey with Ruka and look forward to future success under his watch.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Shaun Clark for his dedication, commitment and the sacrifices he has made to contribute to the club’s successes. Within his time at the club, he took the premiers to multiple finals series as well as winning the Fox in 2019. Thank you, Shaun!! Enjoy the much-needed break.”

The Hornets narrowly missed the semi-finals of the SAS Fox Memorial Premiership this season before COVID prevented them from taking place.