Rebels lock Adam Coleman has become the lastest Australian to confirm a move overseas after signing with London Irish.
The newly-promoted club confirmed the signing on social media on Thursday night, though it has been somewhat of an open secret in Australia in recent months.
Coleman is one of a number of high-profile targets for London Irish but the second rower was one of their most sought, reportedly given an offer he couldn't refuse.
He will head to England after the 2019 Rugby World Cup but the English club didn't confirm the length of his new contract.
The 27-year-old made his Super Rugby debut for the Waratahs back in 2013, playing just one game before moving to the Western Force where he truly began to make his mark in the competition.
✍️ | London Irish has today announced the signing of Adam Coleman ahead of the 2019/20 season.
— London Irish (@LiRFC) May 9, 2019
The 6ft 8in, 122kg lock has been one of the cornerstones of the @qantaswallabies pack for the past two-and-a-half years.
Read more 👉 https://t.co/AQNib9ATOP#ColemanSigns pic.twitter.com/KIlHE3dHy9
The lock made his Wallabies debut in 2016 and quickly became a mainstay of the match-day 23 when fit, taking over the lineout-calling duties.
Coleman said he was excited about the future of Irish but his immediate focus was on this season with the Melbourne Rebels and Wallabies.
“I’m really looking forward to joining London Irish,” he said.
“It’s been clear talking to Declan (director of rugby Declan Kidney) and Les (head coach Les Kiss) that they’ve got big ambitions for the club, and as well as a good squad already in place, they are making some exciting signings as well.
"The plans for moving back into London look really good as well, and it will be a privilege to be a part of that journey.
“Before I move to London I’ll be fully committed to having a good Super Rugby campaign in Melbourne and hopefully helping Australia achieve success in the World Cup.”
The second rower follows NSW trio Curtis Rona, Nick Phipps and Sekope Kepu in joining the newly-promoted club for the 2019-20 season.
All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo is among the other high-profile additions to the team for next season.
PLAYER MOVEMENTS
What are some of Australia's capped Wallabies doing after the 2019 World Cup?
While this is no exhaustive list, take a look at where some of Australia's biggest Super Rugby names are looking for 2020 and beyond.
Leaving
Waratahs
Curtis Rona - London Irish
Nick Phipps - London Irish
Sekope Kepu - London Irish
Reds
Scott Higginbotham - Bordeaux
Sefa Naivalu - Stade Francais
Brumbies
Rory Arnold - Toulouse
Sam Carter - Ulster
Rebels
Adam Coleman - London Irish
Staying
Waratahs
Michael Hooper -2023
Jack Dempsey - 2020
Tom Robertson - 2020
Reds
Taniela Tupou - 2020
Izack Rodda - 2020
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto - 2020
Brumbies
Allan Alaalatoa - 2023
Tom Banks - 2022
Joe Powell - 2020
James Slipper - 2020
Rebels
Dane Haylett-Petty - 2021
Reece Hodge - 2020
Jack Maddocks - 2020
Jermaine Ainsley - 2020
Luke Jones - 2020
Unconfirmed
Waratahs
Bernard Foley
Karmichael Hunt
Adam Ashley-Cooper
Kurtley Beale
Reds
Samu Kerevi
Brumbies
Scott Sio
David Pocock
Tevita Kuridrani
Christian Lealiifano
Henry Speight
Rebels
Will Genia
Marika Koroibete
Quade Cooper
