Smith will work alongside team director Michael Foley and new director of rugby Jack Rowell after agreeing a two-year contract at the Recreation Ground.

The 35-year-old arrived in the west country earlier this week from Australia after leaving his post as coaching co-ordinator with Super 12 finalists the ACT Brumbies.

A controversial figure during his international career, the former Oxford University captain won six caps for the Wallabies in 1987.

But he transferred his allegiance to Ireland, earning nine caps for his adopted country between 1989 and 1991.

Smith then switched codes to rugby league, plying his trade with Sydney outfit Balmain before embarking on a coaching career with Eastern Suburbs.

Alongside Rowell and Foley, he faces a huge challenge trying to restore past glories to a club that finished a miserable 11th in the Zurich Premiership last season.

"Brian is a very exciting appointment for Bath," said Foley.

"He will be concentrating on strength and conditioning as well as filling a very important role in terms of developing back-line skills."

Fresh challenge

Smith's first matches with the team will be two pre-season games in Wales, against Bridgend on 17 August and Cardiff the following Saturday.

They open the new Zurich Premiership season with a tough fixture away to London Irish on 1 September.

"I am really looking forward to getting down to working with Bath," Smith said.

"There is an outstanding squad here, with numerous Lions and international players. On paper it�s very impressive indeed.

"It will be a fresh and exciting challenge and I can't wait to be working in a hands-on, tracksuit role on the training ground with the players."