Scott Higginbotham will quit Super Rugby following this year’s rugby World Cup.
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Wallabies back-rower Scott Higginbotham will quit the Melbourne Rebels to take up a lucrative deal in Japan following the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Higginbotham will play Super Rugby this year and is expected to be named in the Wallabies squad for the September-October tournament in England before jetting off to begin life in the Japanese Top League.
“I love the Rebels, and I also love every opportunity to play for my country; I’ll always be grateful for the opportunities I have been given in Australia,” Higginbotham said in a statement on Monday.
“I’m so excited for the season ahead with the Rebels and the Wallabies, and all the success to be had in 2015.”
Rebels coach Tony McGahan said Higginbotham had been a great ambassador for the sport in Victoria.
“Scott has been an important part of our squad and wonderful ambassador for the club and Victorian rugby over the last two seasons, and will continue to be in 2015,” McGahan said.
“Scott will be missed, however his departure at the end of the 2015 season provides an exciting opportunity for the next young Rebels player to push through in back-row positions.
“Our consistent recruitment and retention program over the last twelve months will allow the club to move forward in the best possible direction.”
Higginbotham has played 30 Tests for Australia and has scored 27 tries in 93 Super Rugby games for the Queensland Reds and Melbourne Rebels.
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