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Hagan: will have a third spell at Leinster before heading for Australia. Clive O'Donohoe/INPHO
Land down under

Leaving so soon? Hagan to head for Super Rugby after short-term Leinster deal

Prop signs for Melbourne Rebels until the end of 2017 season.

IRELAND INTERNATIONAL JAMIE Hagan is moving to Super Rugby to join the Melbourne Rebels.

The 28-year-old prop has agreed a two-year deal which will see him team up with former Munster head coach Tony McGahan at the Rebels.

“Growing up in Ireland, I have always watched Super Rugby on a Saturday morning and it has always fascinated me,” he said.

“Now, after eight years playing professionally in Ireland and England, I have an amazing opportunity to move to Melbourne and play both with and against people of such a high calibre.”

Before he makes the move down under Hagan will return to Leinster on a short-term contract.

Leinster announced the deal last week, and a spokesperson confirmed to The42 on Wednesday that he will remain at the province for the duration of the Rugby World Cup before linking up with Melbourne.

Hagan’s move came about at the instigation of Irishman Eoin Toolan, the Rebels’ performance analyst.

“He put some of my footage in front of Tony McGahan and (assistant coach) Zane Hilton,” Hagan explained.

I am most grateful that they liked what they saw, and now I am just really looking forward to coming over and showing them exactly what I’m made of.

McGahan said: “To be able to bring a front row player into the team with 100 caps at the professional level is a real positive for the improvement of the squad going forward into the 2016 season.”

“Jamie is quality player and he has added to every environment he has been a part of.”

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