Former All Black, Simon Mannix, has been appointed Munster Rugby Backs Coach on a two-year contract.

The former Hurricanes out-half had playing spells with Sale and Gloucester before moving to France where he was Backs Coach at Racing Metro for four seasons up to December 2011.

A member of the All Blacks squad for three seasons prior to his move to England, he won his full cap against France at Christchurch in 1994.

Mannix becomes new Head Coach, Rob Penney's, first addition to the two-time Heineken Cup winners management team and he is expected to be in place for pre-season training in late June subject to him obtaining a work permit.

Munster Rugby Chief Executive, Garrett Fitzgerald, said: "We're delighted that Simon has agreed terms and believe his playing experience in two hemispheres plus his coaching experience at the top level in France will complement the recent appointment of Rob Penney and the existing position of Anthony Foley."