The 60-year-old, who guided the country to a fourth-place finish at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, will "take a lead" on the forward planning and structure of 16 member unions in his new role.

He departed his head coach role with Argentina in June and has also coached the country's under-21, sevens and Argentina XV teams.

Sebastián Piñeyrúa, President of Sudamérica Rugby, said: "He has done a stellar job in the last few years, creating the pool of players that allowed the Unión Argentina de Rugby to face first-class competitions.

"We need to have better coaches and players in every union in the region to ensure their national teams are stronger and through planning and competition to be more competitive.

"That will be the big challenge for Daniel, but we trust in his human and professional abilities to achieve these goals."

Hourcade is starting the role with trips to Brazil, Chile and Paraguay.

"It is a pleasure to join Sudamérica Rugby, a region so willing to grow and with such a positive future," he said. 

"To be able to share all that I've learnt in the game is a joy.

"I believe that amongst all of us we will contribute to the growth of the game in the region."