Loffreda has been in charge of the Pumas for seven years

The 47-year-old will succeed Pat Howard, who is returning home to Australia at the end of the season.

Loffreda won 44 caps for Argentina at centre and has been in charge of the Pumas for the last seven years.

Under his guidance, they have beaten many of the top Test-playing nations, including their historic win over England at Twickenham last year.

606: DEBATE We are about to enter another dawn of Leicester dominance in rugby WM

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

"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 forward.

Leicester is a club with a wonderful history and has supporters who are passionate about their club Marcelo Loffreda

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

Loffreda has been linked with the Tigers post for several months, and was an overwhelming favourite for the role.

He inherits a squad that are attempting to claim an historic treble.

Leicester have won the EDF Energy Cup, reached the final of the Heineken Cup and are also contesting the Premiership title.

"The name of Leicester Tigers is renowned throughout the rugby world," said Loffreda, who attended Leicester's Heineken Cup semi-final win over the Scarlets last weekend.

"To be invited to join this great club as head coach was an honour not only for me, but also for the people who love rugby in Argentina.

"Leicester is a club with a wonderful history and has supporters who are passionate about their club.

"I know there is also a squad of players with a hunger and drive to be the best. There are some exiting times ahead for us all at Tigers."

Howard returns to Australia to run his family's pharmacy business after two years as head coach.

Forwards coach Richard Cockerill will take charge of team affairs, assisted by the rest of the Tigers coaching team, until Loffreda's arrival.