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Former Wallabies captain, current Reds captain and Australian lock James Horwill has signed with English club Harlequins on a three-year deal that will start after the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Horwill admitted that it was tough to leave his home state and the Reds, but said the opportunity at Harlequins was too good to pass up.
“The Reds have been my life for many years. I grew up supporting them, I’ve had the honour of representing Queensland on over 100 occasions and also the privilege of captaining my State, including winning the Super Rugby title – a night I will never forget.
“As hard as it will be to leave Ballymore, my team mates, the staff and all my fans and friends in Queensland, I’ve been offered a fantastic opportunity with Harlequins to experience rugby in another part of the world and this is right for me at this stage of my rugby career.
“I’m completely committed to helping the Reds and Australia achieve success in this World Cup year and then I’ll turn my attention to the next chapter of my life in rugby with Harlequins.”
Horwill has played over 50 Tests for the Wallabies, and 107 times for the Reds captained his country against the British and Irish Lions and during the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and captained the Reds to their Super Rugby title in 2011.
He will likely add to those tallies in 2015, where he will play Super Rugby for the Reds and hope to press for a Wallabies spot for the 2015 World Cup.
In the last two years, injuries have cost Horwill more chances in Wallaby gold, but he has managed to start one game this year, and has featured heavily from the bench.
Harlequins Director of Rugby Conor O’Shea said the club was delighted to be welcoming a player of Horwill’s character.
“I’m delighted that we’ve attracted someone of James’ standing in the game to play for us following the completion of the Rugby World Club next year.
“James is known around the world not only for his uncompromising style of play but also for his strength of character. He will be an asset for us on the field and within the changing room.”
Horwill’s exit from Australian rugby follows Adam Ashley-Cooper’s decision to move to France after the World Cup.
How many fellow senior Wallabies will follow in the footsteps of these experiences players remains to be seen.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.