Kyle Godwin’s move to Canberra is official, with the franchise confirming the inside back’s two-year deal on Wednesday.
Reports first emerged of his switch from the Force in June, amid another season of struggle in Perth.
The 24-year-old said on Monday that his manager was finalising the details of his contract, ahead of Wednesday’s official announcement.
Godwin said he was ready for a change after living almost his entire life in Perth, since moving to Australia from Zimbabwe as an eight-year-old.
“The opportunity to grow as a person and as a rugby player at the Brumbies is something I could not ignore,” he
“The opportunity to be coached by Stephen Larkham, someone who played in a position similar to me was definitely another reason for the decision.
“I’ve loved every minute at the Western Force and the club will always be very special to me, but the move to the Brumbies is the best decision for my career.
“I’ve lived in Perth my whole life, I live 10 minutes away from training so it’s going to be a big change moving to Canberra.
“To be able to link with the current Australian Conference Champion is something I am extremely grateful for and I’m really looking forward to this next chapter of my career at the Brumbies.”
Godwin looks set to make his Wallabies debut this season, called into the Rugby Championship squad for the next two Tests, his first official inclusion since 2014.
His time in the Wallabies fold this season has given him some time with prospective coach, Stephen Larkham, who recently extended his contract for 2017.
Injuries hampered his progress early in his career and he was in and out of the Force team this season, but he has been a much-hyped prospect.
His addition to the Brumbies will partially compensate for the departure of Matt Toomua to UK side, Leicester, leaving the inside centre spot open.
Youngster Jordan Jackson-Hope showed promise in the position while Toomua was injured this season, but Godwin brings more experience to the role.
Larkham said he hoped the Brumbies could help Godwin improve his game.
“He wants to take his game to a new level and believes the move can help him do that," he said.
“He’s played 52 Super Rugby matches for the Force and has developed into an international-standard player in that time.
“We were looking for someone who has strengths in both attack and defence. Kyle possesses those skills as well as great game vision and a powerful running game. It will be an exciting time for us when he joins our backline next season.”
