Hopkins has a wealth of coaching experience

Former Wales centre Hopkins has been coaching at Welsh Premiership side Aberavon for the past two seasons.

The 44-year-old will work above head coach Lyn Jones, who had been under pressure after a disappointing start to the season.

Hopkins says he will act as a link between Jones and the Ospreys board, but will not be taking any coaching responsibilities.

"The board required somebody to communicate between themselves and Lyn and his coaching staff," Hopkins told BBC Wales Sport.

"I'll also be overlooking the academy side, the semi-professional sides and the Liberty Stadium.

"It's just an all-encompassing role to get everything going in the same direction.

"As director of rugby I will oversee it all. Lyn will report to myself and I will then take that to the board."

Jones said he viewed Hopkins' appointment as a "positive development" for the region.

Hopkins is a former Wales Under-21, Swansea and Ebbw Vale coach, but said he was willing to put his coaching aspirations on hold to join the Ospreys.

"When I was approached to do the job, I had time to think about it and knew potentially I may not put a tracksuit on again," he added.