Following the announcement that Danny Wilson would depart at the end of the current campaign, a thorough search for a successor was undertaken in conjunction with the Welsh Rugby Union.

That has now been completed with the vastly experienced and highly-rated Australian signing a three-year contract at Cardiff Arms Park.

Mulvihill has more than 20 years’ worth of experience coaching at the top level including stints as both assistant and interim head coach with Super Rugby’s Western Force and most recently in Japan’s Top League with Kintetsu Liners and then Honda Heat.

He has also recently worked alongside former Wallabies head coach Alan Jones as backs and defence coach for the Barbarians.

Cardiff Blues chief executive Richard Holland said: “We’re obviously delighted to get John on board and I must thank the WRU for their support.

“I believe John will be the perfect fit for Cardiff Blues. He has an abundance of experience and a track record of bringing through young talent, which is very appealing given the age profile of our squad.

“He has played an instrumental role in the careers of numerous top-class internationals including David Pocock, Matt Giteau, James O’Connor and Drew Mitchell, who all speak very highly of him.

“Former Cardiff RFC coach Alex Evans has also mentored John and has been a great aid in the latter stages of the process.

“Not only that but he is a good man and we are very much looking forward to an exciting future with John at the helm.

“Work now begins on putting together a coaching team to assist John and our fantastic back-room staff. This will include a backs coach, forwards coach and a scrum coach.”

The former Australia age-grade international, who also forged a career in rugby league, is due to arrive in the Welsh capital in the summer but will begin overseeing preparations for the 2018-19 season immediately.

He is relishing the challenge ahead and is excited about the future at Cardiff Blues especially with such a wealth of young talent coming through the ranks.

Mulvihill added: “It is a great honour and privilege to be appointed Head Coach of Cardiff Blues for the next three seasons. I see it as not only as great challenge but as a huge opportunity to re-energise a region with awesome potential to be the best in Wales.

“A new beginning brings fresh ideas and a new approach that will assist the playing group to reach their full potential both as individuals and as a collective group.

“It is an exciting time for the club with other new coaches and players to be announced in due course.

“I can assure the supporters that both Cardiff Blues and the WRU carried out an extensive interviewing process and I fully understand the importance and responsibility that the position carries with it.

“Hard work, commitment and dedication are not negotiable in our game, add to this passion, fun and excitement and young men can achieve unlimited success.

“I am aware the team is still alive in a number of competitions and at this time would like to make sure the focus is still on their preparation and continued success.

“I would like to wish Danny Wilson, his staff and the players the very best of luck for the remainder of the season and I am sure that they will work hard to achieve the goals that they have set themselves as a group.”