Fernandez, a member of the Australian men’s eight team which finished second behind Britain at Sydney 2000, will be responsible for the overall leadership of the entire rowing contingent from the nation at the Games.

O’Brien, who has guided two teams from the country to Olympic gold and led the men's four team to silver at London 2012, will also be tasked with coaching the men’s four and men’s pairs.

He was appointed as the national performance director for Rowing Australia back in 2012.

“I am absolutely delighted to be appointed the team leader for the rowing section of the 2016 Australian Olympic team,” Fernandez said.

“To once again be involved in an Olympic campaign albeit in a different capacity is truly a privilege and honour that is very humbling.

“I look forward to supporting and working with our athletes, coaches and staff though the excitement, challenges and the journey that is in front of us.

 “Chris and I have worked together for many years and we look forward to guiding our rowing section in Rio de Janeiro later this year.”

Australia failed to win a rowing gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics though they did claim three silver and two bronze.

The whole team at the event in the British capital were widely criticised after they finished 10th on the medals table.

They earned a haul of seven gold, 16 silver and 12 bronze.

“In my role as national team performance director I have worked closely with Jaime and I believe that this will make for a great team when it comes to the upcoming rowing season which of course culminates in the Olympic and Paralympic Games," O'Brien said.

 “I am excited by the months ahead with the opportunity to coach our top rowers hopefully to victory once again.”

The crews which have qualified for Rio 2016 will be based at the Reinhold Batschi National Training Centre in Canberra for a training camp between February 23 and May 17 ahead of the Games in August.