The former Cardiff, Pontypridd, Celtic Warriors and Leonessa coach has succeeded Henry Edwards, who was appointed this summer on an interim basis, after the departure of Todd Blackadder at the end of last season.

Howells will officially take over as head coach on September 17.

But the ex-Wales assistant coach believes a lack of consistency has been costing the team dearly in recent seasons.

Howells said: My focus will now be on building a consistent level of performance on the field.

Edinburgh have always been able to compete, they have shown they can beat teams like Toulouse and Wasps.

However, what they need to do is develop more consistency.

But Howells has warned Edinburgh fans not to expect big-name signings as he sets about addressing his desire for consistency.

He added: I will be given a rugby budget and then it will be up to me to find the players who can fit into this squad.

Having worked with teams like Pontypridd, I am used to having a limited budget.

It is really all about getting people with the right mentality and the right attitude to play for Edinburgh.

The biggest thing is not the money situation - it is getting players who want to play for Edinburgh.

Strength in depth is maybe something we have to deal with.

Howells also stressed he will be looking a Scottish influence to his backroom staff.

He said: There needs to be a 'Scottishness' about the coaching staff, and, hopefully, the assistant coaches will be Scottish.

Howells comes to Edinburgh from a two-year sabbatical in Italy, where he coached Leonessa, who finished bottom of the Italian Super-10 league last season.

But he dismisses concerns his time away from the firing line has affected his ability to operate at club level after guiding Cardiff Blues to the Welsh/Scottish League title in 2000.

Howells said: As an individual coach, it was something I wanted to do after the Celtic Warriors were closed down.

I needed to get away from the sharp end of rugby and just have some time to reflect and concentrate purely on coaching.