Former South Sydney Rabbitohs mentor Michael Maguire has been confirmed as head coach of the New Zealand rugby league team.

Maguire succeeds David Kidwell, who didn’t reapply for the role after the Kiwis’ quarter-final failure at the Rugby League World Cup, ending a tenure which featured just three wins from 10 Tests.

The New Zealand Rugby League opened the door for offshore candidates to apply for the role and Maguire pounced, fulfilling a long-held desire to coach at international level.

The 44-year-old won the nod after fellow Australians Laurie Daley, Des Hasler and Geoff Toovey were also interviewed.

Maguire’s first assignment will be the contentious Test against England in Denver on June 23.

The Kiwis face the Kangaroos in Auckland in October, followed by a four-Test tour of Europe.

The former Canberra Raider fullback’s coaching career began as an assistant to Craig Bellamy at the Melbourne Storm before a stint in England with Wigan in which he won the 2010 Super League and 2011 Challenge Cup.

The high point of a six-season Rabbitohs stint was the 2014 premiership, ending a 43-year drought for the famed club.

Results deteriorated at Redfern over three subsequent seasons, ending in Maguire’s axing last year.

He has worked since as an NRL high performance referee coach.

HOW THE LATEST KIWIS COACHES HAVE FARED

David Kidwell (2016-17) 3 wins, 1 draw, 6 losses

Stephen Kearney (2008-16), 23, 1, 18

Gary Kemble (2007) 1, 0, 4

Brian McClennan (2005-7) 5, 0, 7

Daniel Anderson (2003-5) 1, 1, 6

Gary Freeman (2001-2) 1, 0, 2

Frank Endacott (1994-2000) 22, 2, 11

Howie Tamati (1992-93) 4, 1, 6