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.
WAYNE
Guest
You gotta have some punch in the backs and that`s why TAPS AND FAAINGGA for mine should be on bench or not in match day squad at all.. At least they saw the light and Ben Lucas was PUNTED..JOC, KEREVI and CFS wil give you strong running and tackle busting and if KHUNT cant play like he did for ther Broncos he is a 4TH who can bust and bend the line. LachieTurner..mmm ... I like the bloke because he fast, great finisher, experienced, good under the high ball and has a big boot. .I just pray that he can have an injury free super 15 season.....AAAAARGH!!
Terry Kidd
Guest
Our locking stocks are going to be threadbare post RWC
handles
Guest
Tupou???? Is that the kid who hasn't ever packed a scrum against men?
Step and Compress
Guest
James was and is always a credit to the jersey and the coat of arms, whichever team he plays for. One of the most decent people you could meet, completely lacking in ego, and just brilliant interacting with starstruck youngsters. Truly made the most of his abilities. At his peak, a world XV standard player. Always a world XV standard bloke. Thanks Kev. You've earned honours and lived up to them all.
tinman
Guest
Yeah JH was kind enough to take time at the game to pose in pics with the kids & sign things. Although my sister was not happy her son had JH sign his school shirt! Oh well.
formeropenside
Guest
He's at a lot of UQ games also - my son has a school report card (the only piece of paper he had on him) signed by Horwill and also Squeaky Moore.
grapeseed
Guest
Lol, nice try!
Squirrel
Guest
Wallaby laden pack via for the s15 spoon
Squirrel
Guest
Horwill moves like a sloth and is playing on past reputation than any form.
tinman
Guest
Good luck to him! My nephew is @ BBC & from what I hear from him, James is well respected & turns up to their home game every now & then! Good to see support from old boys especially famous ones to inspire the kids.
Not Bothered
Guest
Oh yeah, swap Thompson for Tui at 8. I forgot about him.
Not Bothered
Guest
It just doesnt work that way.
AdamS
Roar Guru
Quade had no choice, his current reds contract runs for one more year so he could only sign with the ARU for a year.
English twizz
Guest
In England 2 players don't count in the salary cap from next year
Digby
Roar Guru
Fair enough though, they have done their time. Cash in lads!
Bakkies
Guest
He would rather them play club Rugby.
Bakkies
Guest
Etzebeth is rumoured to be off to Clermont or Toulon.
Bakkies
Guest
AAC injury prone?
Combesy
Roar Guru
Spot on with the pack. Backline my preference would be Genia Cooper CFS O'connor/hunt Kerevi Kuridrani Hunt/JOC But Graham's will be Genia Cooper OCONNOR TAPUAI KEREVI KURIDRANI HUNT
Sean T
Guest
Personally id have: 1. Slipper 2. Faingaa 3. Tupou 4. Simmons 5. Horwill 6. Thomson 7. Gill 8. No real standouts, have always thought Schatz plays too much like a second rower; all toil no spark 9. Genia 10. Cooper 11. Feaui Sautia 12. Hunt 13. Kerevi 14. Turner 15. O'connor Enough to make any team barring maybe the Crusaders, Chiefs and Waratahs squirm.