Smith, who led the Free State Cheetahs to two Currie Cup titles, joins the Scottish outfit from the Italian Rugby Federation where he served as the Head of High Performance.

He previously also coached the Italian national side.

Smith is no stranger to PRO Rugby as he previously coached the Cheetahs in the PRO14.

In a statement, Smith stated that he looks forward to the next chapter in his coaching career.

“I have followed Glasgow for a long time, since coaching at Benetton, when they joined the PRO12 in 2010, and the way they play has always appealed to me because their style is embraced by the fans.

“In coaching, I always have these objectives: to play a winning brand of rugby; to have a style that is good to watch and that the fans can associate with - it is the Warrior Nation’s team, and our responsibility through the coaches and players is to represent them.

“There are also opportunities at Glasgow to contribute to the pathway for up-and-coming players, making sure we are developing creative, fit, and knowledgeable rugby players from a young age that we will bring all the way through to Scotland.

“I am looking forward to joining the club and getting to know the coaching staff and players as we begin working together.”

Glasgow's first game in the United Rugby Championship will be on 17 September against the very same Benetton where he previously coached.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport