Marinos, capped eight times by Wales, is due to take up his new position with the organisation, who are responsible for Super Rugby, the premier domestic rugby competition in the Southern Hemisphere, as well as the annual Rugby Championship, played between Australia, Argentina, South Africa and New Zealand, on January 1.

A replacement for Marinos at SARU is expected to be revealed in the near future.

“I'm incredibly proud to have been given the responsibility of leading the ongoing growth and prosperity of Southern Hemisphere rugby,” he said.

“We are about to embark upon an exciting new expansion that will see us deliver the game to more countries, fans and commercial markets than ever before.

“The impressive performance of our four national teams at the recent Rugby World Cup was pleasing but the challenge for us is to not only ensure they remain at the top, but that we keep working to raise the bar even further both in terms of high performance and commercial success.

“I thank the Board for its confidence in me and look forward to commencing with this talented and dedicated team in the New Year.”

Following the conclusion of his professional playing career, which included spells with Super Rugby sides the Sharks and DHL Stormers, the Sydney Bulldogs and Newport Gwent Dragons, he went on to become the chief executive of the Dragons in 2004.

Marinos was the manager of the South African national teams from 2005 to 2010 and was the chief executive of SARU for two years from 2008.

“I’d like to congratulate Andy on behalf of the South African rugby community,” SARU chief executive Jurie Roux said.

“This is an extremely important position in Southern Hemisphere rugby and Andy takes to it a wealth of experience - not only as an administrator, but as a former player in the competition.

“He has been SARU’s ‘point man’ on SANZAR business for a number of years and has worked closely with our partners in Australia, New Zealand and Argentina on the development of the competition over the years.

“He will be sorely missed at SARU but the consolation is that he takes with him a keen understanding of rugby in South Africa which I’d like to think will have benefits for all the partners.”