Former Wallabies centre Michael Hawker has been appointed to the board of the Australian Rugby Union.

Hawker played 25 Tests for the Wallabies between 1980-87 and was a member of the squad that won the grand slam in the UK and Ireland in 1984.

Hawker replaces Bob Dalziel who stands down from the ARU board after two terms as one of two board-appointed directors.

"Michael's credibility in the corporate world and his passion for rugby made him an ideal candidate for this role," ARU chairman Peter McGrath said.

Hawker is a former senior executive in the banking industry and previously served as an ARU director from 2001-03.

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