Sydney - South Africa's World Cup-winning coach Jake White has been appointed as the coach of Australia's ACT Brumbies Super Rugby team.
White will take over from Tony Rea, installed as interim head coach following the sacking in March of Andy Friend, at the end of the current campaign.
"He was an absolute standout in the interview process," Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan said of White, 48.
"He was thoroughly prepared and had obviously thought long and hard about his vision for the team and the organisation.
"His record says that he is one of the best coaches in world rugby and we're delighted that he has agreed to join us in Canberra."
White, who led South Africa to the 2007 World Cup title, had a 67 percent success rate from his 54 internationals as Springboks coach from 2004.
"The Brumbies are one of the great teams of world rugby," said White, who also won the 2004 Tri-Nations title with South Africa.
"I have followed them closely for many years, particularly since striking up a close friendship with former head coach Eddie Jones.
"I'm looking forward to taking charge of the team and working with the players, the administration and most importantly our supporters, to develop a team that will be competitive every time we step out onto the field."
His first battle will be attempting to retain Wallabies skipper Rocky Elsom with the NSW Waratahs reportedly interested in bringing the forward back to Sydney in 2012.
The Brumbies, Australia's only successful Super Rugby franchise, with titles in 2001 and 2004, currently sit 10th in the Super 15 with just two wins from eight matches.