Thorburn won 37 Wales caps

His role is to build on their marketing campaigns, commercial awareness and off field operational professionalism.

Thorburn won 37 Wales caps between 1985 and 1991, scoring a then-record 304 points. His 70-yard penalty against Scotland still stands as a world best.

He has since forged a commercial rugby career as director of the 1999 World Cup and with the Welsh Rugby Union.

Thorburn, 43, spent the majority of his rugby career in the Ospreys region, firstly at Swansea University and then at Neath RFC, captaining the latter between 1987 and 1992.

"The Ospreys are widely regarded as the only club in Wales to have fully embraced the true concept of regional rugby," said Thorburn.

"I am delighted to be involved with such a forward-thinking team and look forward to realising the opportunities that regional rugby presents.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for me to bring my experience gained at governing body level to the regional structure."