Connacht have announced Kieran Keane has signed a three-year deal to take over as head coach next season.
Keane is a former All Black who is working as an assistant coach with the Chiefs in Super Rugby and has spent his entire coaching career in New Zealand.
The Chiefs scored an impressive 76 tries in 17 games with Keane heading up their attack last season - a total which was second in Super Rugby behind the Lions.
He has also previously worked with the Highlanders and guided the Tasman Makos to the Premiership final in 2014.
The 63-year-old will take over from Pat Lam, who is leaving Connacht at the end of this season to become Bristol's head coach.
Speaking about Keane's appointment, Connacht CEO Willie Ruane said: "Following a rigorous process, we are delighted to be able to confirm the appointment of Kieran as our new head coach.
"Kieran's rugby CV speaks for itself and immediately highlighted to us that he was the perfect fit for Connacht Rugby in the context of the profile of coach that we were looking for.
"Kieran is a highly experienced head coach with a winning track record and a proven ability in identifying talent and maximising the full potential of that talent. His ambitious and exciting brand of rugby is also consistent with the way Connacht Rugby and in particular our players want to continue to play the game into the future.
"Kieran's time at Tasman also highlights the connection that his teams have with the community they represent, and that is something he clearly sees in Connacht as well.
"Kieran was immediately able to identify with our vision of 'Grassroots to Green Shirts', further highlighting to us that he was the right man for the job.
"Everyone at Connacht Rugby is extremely excited about the future and Kieran's appointment is key to helping us achieve the level of sustained and consistent success that we are all working towards. Before he starts, there is a lot of rugby to be played and I know Pat and the team are fully focused on delivering a really strong finish to the current season".
Keane, a former schoolteacher, is looking forward to relocating to Ireland and building on Connacht's recent success.
"During my recent trip to the West of Ireland, I had the chance to meet many people within Connacht Rugby and I was immediately taken by the genuine passion they have for the people they represent and the ambition they have to achieve so much more," Keane said.
"It was clear very early on in our discussions that Connacht Rugby was a good fit for me and I am looking forward to the challenge ahead and to working with the players and everyone associated with the club."