Former New Zealand player John Bracewell has been appointed as the new head coach of Ireland until the end of 2017, subject to work permit approval.

The 57-year-old, who also spent five years coaching the Black Caps following his retirement, replaces Phil Simmons, who ended his eight-year stint with Ireland to join West Indies earlier this year.

Bracewell will be charged with helping the country to achieve Test status over the coming years, with World Cup victories over the likes of West Indies and Zimbabwe raising hopes that their introduction to the five-day format could come sooner rather than later.

"There is nothing I enjoy more than fighting for a cause, and in cricket terms there is none better than obtaining Test status," Bracewell said in a statement.

"Already Ireland have achieved tremendous international results given its financial resources and has gained respect at international tournaments, to the point where they are no longer regarded as a banana skin match but true qualifying contenders.

"I recently presented at the Irish coaching conference and listened to the passion not only for the game but for hard work coming from current and former players, and the parallels with my New Zealand cricket journey really resonated with me."

Bracewell will watch on as Ireland face England in a one-day international in Dublin next Friday.