The appointment of Friend ends the Australian Rugby Union’s (ARU) search for Geraint John’s replacement, with the Welshman having left the post in August to take up a role as the Welsh Rugby Union's elite coach development manager.

Scott Bowen and Tim Walsh have had spells as interim coach of the team, the latter guiding them to victory at the Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship in November to seal their place at Rio 2016, where rugby sevens will make its Olympic debut.

Friend is due to take up his post when the Japan Top League season concludes, bringing his two-year spell at Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath to a close.

"I am thrilled and honoured to be given the opportunity to coach the Australian men's sevens team,” Friend said.

“The Australian squad that has been developed over the last few seasons shows great promise, and I'm very excited about working with those players.

"The potential and growth of the game in Australia is enormous, so it's our collective responsibility to play a brand of rugby that excites people and attracts new support.

“I'm really looking forward to the challenge ahead and making Australians proud to watch their team."

Current interim boss Bowen will prepare the team for the Wellington and Sydney legs of the 2015-2016 HSBC Sevens World Series due to take place from January 30 to 31 and February 6 to 7 respectively.

Rugby Union star Quade Cooper could appear at both events as he looks to stake his claim for a place in the team, having negotiated a special contract clause with his side Toulon so he can play in the Olympics.

As well as taking part in the World Series, the 27-year-old would have to take part in a 10-week training block prior to the tournament, according to the Australian Associated Press.

General manager of high performance at ARU, Ben Whitaker, believes the appointment of Friend will significantly benefit the team.

“Andy is a very experienced coach with proven abilities in talent identification, individual and team skill development and team leadership,” he said.

“These attributes align well with where the men’s sevens team and the program is at and where it needs to further develop.

“Andy is a coach of outstanding character and has proven through a thorough recruitment process to be highly motivated by the sevens leadership role, he was able to demonstrate a very strong understanding of the game and a vision for the sevens program and team.”