SCOTLAND head coach Vern Cotter has announced another addition to his backroom staff after hiring highly-rated New Zealander Jason O'Halloran to lead the Dark Blues' backs after this year's World Cup.

The appointment follows the news earlier this month that former Scotland and British and Irish Lions lock Nathan Hines will return to the national set-up to coach the side's young forwards and work on line-out strategy.

O'Halloran, 42, will see out the remainder of his club contract as head coach of the Manawatu Turbos and arrive in November to take on the mantle from Duncan Hodge, who announced his move to Edinburgh Rugby on Tuesday.

Cotter, said: "Jason was a very good rugby player and is an excellent coach. I've kept tabs on him for a number of years, with him coming well-recommended over that time.

"He's very strong on individual development, has a very good eye on attack and how to open up opportunities. I think our players will thrive and develop under him.

"His arrival is another plus for Scottish rugby. He'll bring another perspective and develop our players here in Scotland."

One-cap former All Black O'Halloran was a prolific and astute play-maker before hanging up his boots in 2004, scoring 35 tries in 95 games for Wellington, and 17 in 54 for the Hurricanes at Super Rugby level.

He finished his playing career with Japanese club Kubota Spears, where he began his coaching career in 2005.

He was then appointed high-performance academy manager of Manawatu in 2007 before being the first coach to lead the province to a title in 34 years.

It was there that he oversaw the development of some of the nation's top young exponents, including half-backs Aaron Cruden and Aaron Smith, before taking on the role of head coach of the Turbos, which he has occupied since 2011.

O'Halloran said: "I'm looking forward to working with an exciting group of players under a widely-respected head coach in Vern Cotter.

"I believe in the style Vern is pursuing and that there is significant growth potential in a young and enthusiastic squad.

"Working with that type of talent excites me and I believe the group of backs in the Scotland squad will be one that I can relate to and help grow.

"There are some very promising backs and developing an environment which allows them to express their flair, and have fun doing it, will be a great challenge which I look forward to."