The 58-year-old has coached several elite teams over the last 25 years including Namibia, Cardiff Blues and Scarlets.

He is currently serving as director of rugby for English third division side Leeds Tykes.

It is claimed that he will play a key role in ensuring welfare continues to be a focus of the International Federation's law review process.

"I am delighted and humbled to be joining the World Rugby team and am looking forward to getting started," said Davies.

"I am passionate about the sport, its people and global potential and I believe that I can bring my experiences of playing and coaching in more than 20 nations over the past 35 years to support further growth and development to the sport both off and on the field, in particular in the important areas of welfare, sustainable high-performance programmes and laws evolution."

Davies will report to World Rugby chief player welfare and rugby services officer Mark Harrington in a restructured rugby and player welfare department responsible for community and elite rugby.

He will be tasked with supporting emerging rugby nations in bridging the gap with the sport's best countries.

"We are delighted to be appointing a person of Phil’s experience, calibre and passion to this strategically-important position at such an exciting time for the sport," said Alan Gilpin, World Rugby chief executive.

"Phil’s profound knowledge and passion for the high performance and technical aspects of the game, coupled with the huge respect that he carries, will help us build on solid foundations forged by Joe Schmidt to increase our connection and collaboration with important stakeholders - players, coaches, match officials and fans."

During a 13-year playing career, Davies scored 21 points in 46 caps for Wales alongside 350 appearances for Llanelli RFC.

"Phil is a great technician and a big-picture thinker," said Harrington.

"His expertise is perfectly suited to our ambition of making the game even more attractive and accessible for all and we are looking forward to welcoming him to World Rugby in February."