Former All Blacks hooker Mark Hammett was unveiled as the head coach of Japan's new Super Rugby side the Sunwolves on Monday, along with an experienced 34-man squad.

The Tokyo-based franchise will play in a blood orange kit with a reserve strip of grey, it was announced by southern hemisphere governing body SANZAR.

They face South Africa's Golden Lions at home in their first match on February 27. Hammett, who made 29 appearances for New Zealand from 1999 to 2003, previously coached the Wellington Hurricanes (2011-14) in his first spell as a Super Rugby head coach.

The 43-year-old disciplinarian faces a major challenge to prepare the side for their opening match in Tokyo following an alarming delay in naming their coaching and playing staff.