Adams, 54, is one of Britain's best known judoka, having won the 1981 World Championships and Olympic silver medals in Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984.

His illustrious career also includes seven European Championship titles, with the 8th Dan also being a 21 time British Champion.

Neil Adams in action against Holland's Henneveld at Los Angeles 1984, where he won an Olympic silver medal

He also has a significant coaching background having previously held the post of national coach for Wales and head coach of elite development in Belgium, as well as past positions within British Judo, including coaching the team for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. 

Admas has also played a pivotal role in the development and presentation of the International Judo Federation's (IJF) new testing rules, providing demonstrations at the first refereeing seminar of the year.

Britain has never won an Olympic gold medal and at London 2012 they finished equal 13th on the medals table, with a silver for Gemma Gibbons in the 78 kilogram category and bronze for Karina Bryant in the +78kg.

"I'm delighted we've managed to secure Neil's services and I feel that we're well on the way to building a winning British team for 2016, 2020 and beyond," said Kerrith Brown, the chairman of British Judo and a former teammate of Adams'.

"I view it as another shrewd appointment that adds a lot of credibility to association, both at home and on an international level and in light of the current situation with IJF rules,

"Neil's expertise, influence and interpretation in this area will prove invaluable, playing a massive part in our direction.

"On a personal level, I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to be working with one of the best judoka of our time and excited about the prospect of what we can all achieve together."

Adams has combined his coaching commitments with a successful media career, working with a range of organisations including the BBC, ESPN, Eurosport and Channel 4.

He was the presenter for judo at London 2012, giving expert opinion, analysis and commentary throughout the seven day competition at ExCel.

"I'm thrilled to be offered this opportunity and I'm fully committed to supporting British Judo to create an environment where athletes and coaches can excel and produce success on a systematic basis," said Adams.

"I'm looking forward to working closely with Nigel Donohue and believe that together with his team, we have the ability to deliver a unified and successful programme for Rio and beyond."

Gemma Gibbons celebrates after winning agaisnt Mongolia's Lkhamdegd Purevjargal on her way to a silver medal at London 2012

Donohue welcomed the appointment. 

"He's one of the most prominent judoka in British Judo's history and it will be a real privilege to work alongside him," he said.

"Neil is renowned for his technical expertise worldwide and his skills can have a significant impact not only on our elite coaches and those further down the pathway, but also directly with the elite athletes in our programme."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]