Veteran Wallabies James Horwill and Adam Ashley-Cooper have announced they will depart Australian rugby after the 2015 World Cup.
Queensland lock Horwill has signed a three-year deal with English side Harlequins, while Waratahs back Ashley-Cooper has been snared by French club Bordeaux on a two-year deal.
The Reds announced 29-year-old Horwill’s departure to England on Thursday.
“As hard as it will be to leave Ballymore, my teammates, 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,” said 58-Test veteran and former Wallabies skipper Horwill in a Reds statement.
“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.”
Ashley-Cooper, 30, admitted earlier this year he would pursue options overseas beyond 2015 but kept his cards close to his chest, before stepping up negotiations following the Wallabies’ miserable spring tour.
The Waratahs speedster remains pivotal to Australia’s hopes at the World Cup in September-October, as an experienced outside back with the versatility to play centre, wing and fullback.
“I am extremely grateful for my career in Australia, and I want to thank the ARU and the Waratahs for their support over the past decade,” Ashley-Cooper, who has 104 Wallaby caps, told the Bordeaux-Begles website.
“I look forward to participating in the future of the (Bordeaux) club after the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, All Black legend Dan Carter is poised to announce details of a move abroad after next year’s Rugby World Cup.
The 32-year-old five-eighth is widely expected to quit New Zealand after the 2015 tournament with a French club his most likely destination.
Reports from France suggested Racing Metro has won the race for the signature of Carter - capped 102 times by his country.
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