Former South Africa and Italy coach Nick Mallett has been appointed to the International Rugby Board's influential Rugby Committee.

The 56-year-old former Springbok will act as the coaches' representative on the committee that advises the ruling IRB Council on all issues related to playing the game.

"The IRB is delighted that Nick Mallett has accepted the IRB Council's invitation to join the Rugby Committee. Having a broad experience across a range of club and national teams, Nick has considerable experience of the modern Test and domestic Game environment and will give the Committee a valuable insight into important issues facing the coaching of the Game," said IRB Rugby Committee chairman John Jeffrey.

The IRB Rugby Committee, that next meets on October 8, comprises Jeffrey, Bill Beaumont, Giancarlo Dondi, Michael Hawker, Chris Le Fevre, Fabien Pelous, David Pickering, Agustin Pichot, Cheryl Soon, Koji Tokumasu, Pat Whelan and now Nick Mallett.