He will assume the post vacated by Ben Ryan, the Englishman who has stood down after three hugely successful years culminating in the Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro.

The Pacific Island nation crushed Great Britain 43-7 in the Olympic final at the Deodoro Stadium.

Baber, who has spent the last three years overseeing Hong Kong’s sevens programme, is due to assume the post early next year.

The 44-year-old has been appointed on an initial four-year contract with Fiji, which should take him through until Tokyo 2020.

"As a coach, this is an incredible opportunity to work with the present world and Olympic champions," he said.

"Coaches, like players, need to constantly challenge themselves; I want to continuously strengthen my knowledge of the game and the competition level that Fiji operates at will provide that opportunity."

A former scrum half for Pontypridd Rugby Football Club, Baber worked at the Cardiff Blues academy before leading Hong Kong to a third Asian sevens title in five years earlier this month.

"This appointment would not have been possible without the support of the Hong Kong Rugby Union and the opportunities they have given me," Barber said. 

"I have tremendous affection for Hong Kong and Hong Kong rugby and if there is one positive to my leaving it is the opportunity to work with Fiji Rugby, who have such a special relationship with the city, and the chance to return every year during the Hong Kong Sevens.

"My time in Hong Kong has been among the most rewarding in my career and I thank the Union and the community for their support and wish the Hong Kong Rugby Union the greatest success across every level of the game."

Assistant Jevon Groves will become interim Hong Kong coach as a search begins for a permanent replacement.