European rugby has poached another Wallabies star on the rise with ACT Brumbies back Kyle Godwin to join Irish club Connacht at the end of the Super Rugby season.
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Godwin, 25, has decided to sacrifice his chances of playing for Australia and adding to his one Test cap to instead test himself overseas.
Fairfax Media revealed earlier this month Godwin was being targeted by Irish clubs and was weighing up his long-term future in Wallabies gold and at the Brumbies.
It's understood Godwin told his Brumbies teammates of his impending move on Tuesday and he was set to be unveiled as Connacht's new recruit.
He will join former Brumbies back-rower Jarrad Butler based in Galway for the Pro14 season.
Godwin's departure is a blow for Australia's inside back stocks and the effects could be felt at the World Cup next year.
Godwin made his Test debut on the spring tour of Europe at the end of 2016, but his international career has since been stalled by frustrating injuries.
He would have been a valuable asset to Wallabies coach Michael Cheika in trying to build depth, but the return of Kurtley Beale and the rise of Reece Hodge appears to have contributed to Godwin's decision to leave.
Godwin also faces a challenge to force his way back into the Brumbies starting XV after coach Dan McKellar opted for a playmaker combination of Christian Lealiifano and Wharenui Hawera last week.
The Brumbies got their season back on track when they beat the Durban Sharks last week and will face a season-defining stretch when they return from their bye week to play the NSW Waratahs on March 31.
