Kieran Keane will become the new head coach of Connacht next season.
The Waikato Chiefs backs coach has signed a three-year deal with the province. Keane currently works under Dave Rennie, who coincidentally will also move to the Pro12 next season, taking over from Gregor Townsend at Glasgow.
Keane played six times for the All Blacks though not at test level. He was also once a school teacher.
The 63-year-old called Connacht a 'good fit' for him right now.
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.
“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.
Keane takes over from Pat Lam at Connacht. His fellow New Zealander was announced as the new head coach of Bristol Rugby in December.
Connacht have since been searching for a successor with a number of individuals liked. Those included Highlanders coach Tony Brown, current Fiji head coach John McKee and Ireland U20 boss and also former Connacht player Nigel Carolan.
Connacht CEO Willie Ruane highlighted Keane's 'ambitious and exciting brand of rugby'.
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.
