IAN McIntosh, the former South Africa and Natal Sharks chief, is to coach Newport next season working alongside director of rugby Allan Lewis.

McIntosh has signed a one-year deal to come to Newport with an option for another season after that.

"He's regarded as one of the world's great coaches with an international reputation," said a delighted Newport owner Tony Brown.

"We are very fortunate to get him to work with Allan Lewis.

"I rate him very highly. He has experience at the highest level outside Wales that can only benefit Newport.

"Though Newport have done well we have brought someone here who can strengthen the team.

"When we heard he would like to do a year in the Northern Hemisphere it gave us an opportunity to bring in an alternative level of experience.

"He's a good friend of Australian coach Rod Macqueen, they're always swopping ideas.

"He's looking forward to working with us at Newport. He knows Allan and me, and he appointed Gary Teichmann captain of Natal years ago."

McIntosh made a brief appearance at Rodney Parade last season for some coaching sessions, and it coincided with an improvement in fortunes after a barren spell.

He is highly rated in South Africa since becoming the first non-Afrikaaner to coach the Springboks.

He became coach in the early 90s when South Africa were floundering after their years in isolation, and helped lay the foundations for their 1995 World Cup triumph.

He also coached Natal Sharks to triumph in the Currie Cup competition.

When Harry Viljoen took over as Springbok coach from Nick Mallett last year there were rumours he would look to McIntosh as his assistant.

Andre Joubert, the South African full back great, pays this tribute to McIntosh: "He has the experience, but most importantly he knows the game. Mac is one of the best coaches I've been involved with."

Newport are making a presentation to Heineken Cup chiefs in Amsterdam on Monday at a meeting attended by all clubs taking part in the competition. Fixtutes will be released after that.