McClennan was voted international coach of the year for 2006

McClennan, 45, will begin his two-year contract from 1 December.

"It is a tremendous honour," McClennan said. "I am really looking forward to working with such a talented group of players and coaching staff."

McClennan resigned with immediate effect from his job with New Zealand, who now begin the hunt for a new boss.

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington added: "It's been an exhaustive search and it was important to find the right man.

"We are delighted to have secured one of the world's most respected coaches and I'm sure Brian's style and experience will be well-suited to Leeds and Super League in 2008."

606: DEBATE Is McClennan the right man for the job?

The New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) had offered McClennan, who was contracted until after next year's World Cup, a substantial pay rise in a bid to stop him moving to England with Leeds.

But NZRL chairman Andrew Chalmers said they could not compete with the offer from Leeds.

"We're disappointed he has reached this decision," said Chalmers.

"We offered him a substantial increase in his package to stay on but we have no option but to reluctantly accept his decision.

We can't compete with the money they can offer but we have to live with that NZRL chairman Andrew Chalmers

"We can't compete with the money they can offer but we have to live with that."

New Zealand are now searching for a new coach ahead of their visit to Britain for a three-match Test series in October and November.

McClennan, whose father Mike was coach of St Helens from 1990-93, previously coached the Hibiscus Coast Raiders and Mt Albert Lions to championships in the Bartercard Cup in New Zealand.