Former Brumbies coach Andy Friend has been appointed as the Australian Sevens head coach on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

Friend will begin his tenure after completing his coaching commitments with Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath later this month.

Replacing Geraint John, he will lead the side in its first-ever Olympic campaign in Rio in August.

'I am thrilled and honoured to be given the opportunity to coach the Australian men's sevens team,' Friend commented. 'The Australian squad that has been developed over the last few seasons shows great promise, and I'm very excited about working with those players.

'The potential and growth of the game in Australia is enormous, so it's our collective responsibility to play a brand of rugby that excites people and attracts new support. I'm really looking forward to the challenge ahead and making Australians proud to watch their team.'

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