Former All Black and Blues first-five Carlos Spencer will return to Super Rugby as an assistant coach for the Hurricanes in 2019.
It will be the 42-year-old's first coaching gig in New Zealand, having previously worked with the Lions, Sharks and Kings in South Africa.
While at the Sharks he worked alongside new 'Canes coach John Plumtree, and that relationship helped him secure the job in Wellington.
Spencer said he had long held an ambition to return to New Zealand and coach in a full-time capacity and was delighted to be afforded an opportunity with the Hurricanes.
"We are all moving in the same direction from the conversations I've had with Plum, and I'm sure we will continue to reach and carry on the high standards the Hurricanes club demands."
Plumtree said he is excited to work alongside the 35-test All Black once more.
"I've worked with Carlos in South Africa when I was at the Sharks, and I was impressed with him from what I saw then.
"He has carried on that good work, not only in South Africa but in Japan, and I really look forward to working with him again. Everyone that I've spoken to about Carlos and the way he operates has impressed me, and he is really positive about joining the group and the club."
The Hurricanes have also retained the services of forwards coach Richard Watt and scrum coach Dan Cron for next season too.
Plumtree said Watt and Cron had proven ability in their roles and the players continued to respond to what they were trying to achieve.
"I think it's really important to maintain that continuity in those areas and it's really good to be able to go to guys I know will deliver. Carlos will bring in fresh ideas, and that's also important."
Newshub.
