Share

Rebels sign Irish prop Hagan

Melbourne - The Melbourne Rebels have signed Irish international prop Jamie Hagan for two Super Rugby seasons, the franchise announced on Wednesday.

Hagan, 28, a tighthead prop who has made more than 100 appearances for Leinster, Connacht and London Irish, made his full international debut for Ireland against the United States in 2013.

Hagan becomes only the second fully capped Irish international to sign for an Australian Super Rugby team, after front-rower Peter Clohessy spent the 1997 season with the Reds.

Hagan said he was looking forward to testing himself in the southern hemisphere's renowned provincial competition.

"Growing up in Ireland, I have always watched Super Rugby 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.

"It's such an exciting tournament; the rugby is fast, furious and open, everything that rugby should be."

Rebels coach Tony McGahan said Hagan would bring experience to the squad.

"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,"  said McGahan.

Hagan's signing is the third announcement this week for the Rebels, with former All Black back-rower Adam Thomson and lock Culum Retallick bolstering the forward pack ahead of the 2016 Super Rugby season.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE