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WALLABIES winger Nick Cummins has signed with Japanese team Coca Cola West Red Sparks for next season.
He is among several Wallabies, including Ben Mowen and Kane Douglas, who have opted to go overseas before the 2015 World Cup in England.
Cummins’ move was advised by the Japanese Rugby Union this morning.
Known as “The Honey Badger” for his fierce determination, Cummins will be a big loss to Australian rugby, not only because of his wholehearted attitude on the field, but his popularity off it.
Cummins, 26, has played 15 Tests for the Wallabies since making his debut against Argentina in Rosario in 2012 and he has been a mainstay of the Western Force backline since 2008.
While Cummins started in all three of the Wallabies’ Test wins against France last June, his position in the run on side will be challenged by Brumbies wingers Joe Tomane and Henry Speight, who becomes eligible for Australia during The Rugby Championship.
Competition for places on the Wallabies wings will become even stronger next year if James O’Connor returns from Europe to play for the Queensland Reds as expected.
Cummins’ Force teammates fullback Jayden Hayward and prop Salesi Manu have signed to play with Italian club Benetton Treviso.
Meanwhile, Cummins will return from injury to play for the Force against the Reds in Perth on Saturday night as the Perth-based attempts to reach the Super Rugby playoffs for the first time.
http://m.theaustralian.com.au/sport/rugby-union/nick-honey-badger-cummins-lost-to-australian-rugby/story-e6frg7o6-1226977412708?nk=8b75376ed7b0cdad01da9e9c63e05ec9