Forster will bring a wealth of experience to Neath

The 36-year-old is joining primarily as an assistant to head coach Rowland Phillips, but he will also be added to Neath's playing squad next season.

"I'm very excited about the prospect of coming to the Gnoll," said Forster, a player-coach for Doncaster last season.

"It's great to be back in Wales and the goldfish bowl that is Welsh rugby."

He added: "The club has very big ambitions again this season. What they have achieved over the past four seasons has been outstanding, our plan now as a coaching unit is to take things up a level.

His straight talking approach and will to win are reminiscing of past personalities Neath chairman Geraint Hawkes

"From a personal point of view I am thrilled to be involved with such an ambitious and historic club and am looking forward to working together to make a big impact both on and off the field."

Neath have signed 11 new players ahead of next season's campaign and chairman Geraint Hawkes believes Forster will be a perfect role model for the club's aspiring professionals.

"Jason Forster was and still is a top quality player who leads by example," said Hawkes.

"He is a true professional determined to improve personally and develop players and I am confident we will see signs of his strong personality expressed in his coaching methods.

"His straight talking approach and will to win are reminiscing of past personalities who proudly wore and coached the black shirts of Neath."

The Welsh All Blacks have announced two pre-season friendlies for August, beginning with a trip to Bucharest to face Romania (11 August).

Their annual match against London Welsh will take place on 24 August, and another two friendlies will be announced in due course.