Tuesday 25 July 2017 10:06, UK
Australia have been dealt a blow with the news that flanker Sean McMahon has decided to take up a two-year option to play overseas - a move that likely rules him out of the 2019 World Cup.
The 23-year-old confirmed he is leaving Melbourne Rebels amid reports he has signed a lucrative deal to play for Suntory Sungoliath in Japan's Top League.
"We're done with the Rebels after this season, all I can say is I won't be playing in Australia next year, I will be gone for two years," McMahon told the Daily Telegraph in Australia.
"It was a very big call I've made. There were a few factors that came into it, a few personal ones and a few other issues that I don't really want to go into.
"But it obviously was a big decision for my career, and for my personal life as well. I'm pretty happy with the decision and so is my wife."
McMahon, who has made 42 appearances for the Rebels in Super Rugby over the past three seasons, has been capped 14 times by Australia.
McMahon revealed Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika made a late pitch to change his mind.
"We sat down and had a really good chat about staying and a lot of the elements of where things are going towards the World Cup. At that stage it was probably just a tad too late," McMahon said.
"It definitely gave me a lot to want to stay, but in the end it was a choice that I had to make."
