Cardiff Blues have appointed John Mulvihill as their new head coach on a three-year-deal, which will commence from the start of next season.
The Australian will leave his role managerial role at Japanese second-tier club Honda Heat in order to replace Danny Wilson as Cardiff manager, who is departing to join Aviva Premiership side Wasps as a forwards coach.
Other spells for the 51-year-old include assistant then interim manager at Super Rugby franchise Western Force. Blues chief executive Richard Holland said Mulvihill has "an abundance of experience".
A statement in full from Holland said: "John will be the perfect fit. He has an abundance of experience and a track record of bringing through young talent, which is very appealing given the age profile of our squad.
"He has played an instrumental role in the careers of numerous top-class internationals including David Pocock, Matt Giteau, James O'Connor and Drew Mitchell, who all speak very highly of him.
"Former Cardiff RFC coach Alex Evans has also mentored John and has been a great aid in the latter stages of the process.
"Not only that but he is a good man and we are very much looking forward to an exciting future with John at the helm.
"Work now begins on putting together a coaching team to assist John and our fantastic back-room staff. This will include a backs coach, forwards coach and a scrum coach."
Mulvihill enjoyed a playing career in rugby league but has made a clear name for himself in union management.
"It is a great honour and privilege to be appointed head coach of Cardiff Blues for the next three seasons. I see it as not only a great challenge but as a huge opportunity to re-energise a region with awesome potential to be the best in Wales." Mulvihill said.
"A new beginning brings fresh ideas and a new approach that will assist the playing group to reach their full potential both as individuals and as a collective group.
"It is an exciting time for the club with other new coaches and players to be announced in due course
"I can assure the supporters that both Cardiff Blues and the WRU carried out an extensive interviewing process and I fully understand the importance and responsibility that the position carries with it.
"Hard work, commitment and dedication are not negotiable in our game - add to this passion, fun and excitement and young men can achieve unlimited success
"I am aware the team is still alive in a number of competitions and at this time would like to make sure the focus is still on their preparation and continued success.
"I would like to wish Danny Wilson, his staff and the players the very best of luck for the remainder of the season and I am sure that they will work hard to achieve the goals that they have set themselves as a group."