McMeniman joins Force

Sydney - Former Wallabies forward Hugh McMeniman will leave Japanese club rugby to join Australia's Force for the 2013 Super Rugby season, the club said on Monday.

McMeniman left Queensland Reds in 2009 to join Japanese club Kubota Spears and is a key signing for the Perth-based franchise.

McMeniman, 28, a lock or flank, earned 21 Test caps for the Wallabies over four years, including four appearances during Australia's 2007 Rugby World Cup campaign.

"Hugh is a player of the highest calibre," Force head coach Michael Foley said. "Having seen his performances in Japan, he's lost nothing since he's been gone."

"He's very powerful in his general play, and, importantly, he's a player that will drive standards within the squad."