Harlequins head coach Andy Friend will return to Australia to coach the ACT Brumbies for the next three seasons.

The Canberra-based Super 14 outfit say Friend will replace current coach Laurie Fisher for the 2009 season.

Friend has coached alongside director of rugby Dean Richards at The Stoop and helped guide Harlequins to second place in the Guinness Premiership this term.

"Andy is an outstanding coach with a tremendous record," said Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan.

"We're privileged that he's accepted this role with the Brumbies as head coach. His focus is on very integrated organisation, attacking football and on entertaining the fans and he's demonstrated that with the success that he's had with his team."

"It's a tremendous responsibility," Friend said in a statement. "My commitment to our many fans in Australia and around the world is to build on the strong foundations laid by Laurie Fisher and to ensure that the Brumbies continue to play attacking, successful rugby."

His contribution to the club has been invaluable, and a major factor behind our success in recent years Harlequins rugby director Dean Richards

The Brumbies are ninth in the Super 14 standings and have not reached the semi-finals since Fisher replaced David Nucifora in 2005. They won the title for the second time in 2004.

Friend was a former Brumbies assistant coach under Eddie Jones and guided the Australian Under-21 team to the final of the 2005 World Championships.

Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards said: "Andy has been a great coach to Harlequins over the last three years.

"His contribution to the club has been invaluable, and a major factor behind our success in recent years. I am sure he will have great success in his new role."