Perth - Former Wallaby back Sam Norton-Knight will leave Japanese club rugby to join Australia's Western Force for two seasons, the Force said on Monday.

The 28-year-old, who played five seasons with the Brumbies and Waratahs, left to join the Cardiff Blues in 2009 before moving on to the Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan the following year.

Apart from his 57 Super Rugby caps, he also played twice for the Wallabies, in 2007 against Wales and Fiji.

Norton-Knight, who can cover flyhalf, fullback and inside centre, said he wanted to test himself again in Super Rugby.

"I will have been away for four seasons and the timing was right to come back to Australia and I'm really excited about this opportunity that's been presented at the Force," he said.

"I'm very keen to test myself in Super Rugby again, particularly with the British and Irish Lions touring here next year.

"There are a number of players who have had success after coming back from Japan to play in Australia and this only confirmed my decision to return."