The 47-year-old will succeed Pat Howard, who is returning to Australia in the summer.

Loffreda has been linked with the Tigers post for several months, and was an overwhelming favourite for arguably English club rugby’s top job.

And he could inherit a Leicester side at the peak of its powers.

Tigers have already won the EDF Energy Cup this season, while they meet Wasps in next month’s Heineken Cup final and are also contesting the Guinness Premiership title.

Loffreda won 44 caps for Argentina, and took over as Pumas coach in 2000.

Announcing the appointment, Tigers chairman Peter Tom said: “Marcelo has done a marvellous job in taking Argentina to the top ranks of the international game.

“He is recognised as a top-class coach, and has developed a squad of quality players to the point where they have reached number six in the world rankings.

“I have been impressed by his thoughts on the game, his approach to coaching and his ideas on how to take Leicester Tigers forward.

“We look forward to the fresh input from Marcelo, as well as the continued development of the existing staff and players at the club.”

With Howard due to depart at the end of this season, forwards coach Richard Cockerill will take charge of team affairs, assisted by the rest of the Tigers coaching team, until Loffreda’s arrival.