The EDF Energy Cup holders have been without a head coach since Lyn Jones' dismissal last season but Foster is only in the region to pass on advice to current coaching duo Sean Holley and Jonathan Humphreys.

The highly-regarded Kiwi will spend three weeks with the Liberty Stadium outfit as they continue their preparations for the forthcoming season.

"We are delighted to be able to invite a coach of Ian's stature and experience to spend time with us over the next few weeks," said the Ospreys' elite performance director Andrew Hore.

"He will be able to pass on some of his knowledge to our own coaching staff.

"Ian is not in the frame for the Ospreys head coach, he is under contract with the NZRU."