Former Manawatu and Munster centre Jason Holland has today been appointed assistant coach of the Hurricanes for the 2016 season.

Holland will join the club in place of outgoing assistant coach, Clark Laidlaw, who will head to London Irish at the end of the 2015 Super Rugby season.

The father of two said although a little while away, he was looking forward to moving back to his family's home region, and getting acquainted with the Hurricanes environment.

"The Hurricanes players and staff are playing with a similar philosophy to what I'm about. The basic things they're doing are things I like to see happen in a game of footy, so I can't wait to get in there and contribute.

"As a new coach coming into a set-up, I'm also hoping to go in there and challenge the staff and players in certain areas, and bring some variation here and there. I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in."

Originally from Taranaki, the talented sportsman's first senior provincial appearance was for Taranaki Cricket straight out of high school, where he was coached by John Plumtree's dad, Sid.

Cricket soon took a back seat however, with Holland heading off to play provincial rugby for Manawatu and Taranaki, before transferring to Ireland where he played for Munster from 1999 to 2005, earning 102 caps. He then took on the role as backs and attack coach in 2008 and remained in that role until 2012.

More recently, he has been stationed in Christchurch, working within the Crusaders Academy and as assistant coach for the Canterbury ITM Cup team.

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said Holland had been targeted as the best man for the job, and would complement the current coaching staff well.

"He's had significant experience as a professional player and coach in the backs, attacking and skills areas, which perfectly complements the skill set of our existing coaches.

"He's also coming home to the Hurricanes region, and we're really looking forward to welcoming Jason and his family to our environment."

Hurricanes chief executive James Te Puni said it was extremely pleasing to secure a coach of Holland's talent for this key role within the club.

"Obviously with Clark Laidlaw departing, we wanted to move quickly to get the best person available, and we're very pleased to have certainty around that role this early in the piece."