Rob Kearney has signed a one year deal with the Western Force in Australia.
Kearney brought the curtain down on his 15-year Leinster career with a farewell note to Blues supporters last week.
But retirement wasn't mentioned and he was quickly linked with a move Down Under.
The 34-year-old was close to sealing the deal with the Perth-based club at that point and, with a contract secured, Kearney will bring the experience of 95 Ireland caps, two Grand Slams, three World Cups, two Lions tours and four Champions Cup to a club that is returning to Super Rugby next season.
The Louthman is set to join his new team-mates for pre-season training before the end of the year.
“I am delighted to be joining the Western Force for their upcoming season and excited to play with such an ambitious club who are looking to improve on this year’s campaign,” Kearney said.
“I hope to add value both on and off the field that complements the high ambition of the club.
“I’m particularly excited to immerse myself in a new performance environment and to play both with and against some of the best players and teams in the southern hemisphere.
“I look forward to moving to Western Australia to begin building relationships with my new teammates and coaches alike and to meet the ever-growing Western Force fan base which also includes a strong Irish contingent.”
The club's head of rugby Matt Hodgson believes Kearney will bring with him a "winning mentality' when he arrives in Perth.
“Rob is a fantastic signing, but more than that he is a great person who will be able to bring a lot to WA rugby,” Hodgson commented.
“He is a player of the highest calibre that brings a wealth of experience and quality to the side.
“He also brings a winning mentality, having experienced so much success for his country and Leinster.
We can’t wait for the Sea of Blue and the sizeable Irish community within WA to see him pull on the Force jersey next season”.
