Digby Ioane is headed to Major League Rugby. The former Wallabies star has signed with the Glendale Raptors for the 2020 season. He is represented by SBM Entertainment, an agency that also secured contracts for Uruguay’s leading players and seems to be increasing its presence in North America’s professional competition.

With nearly a decade of Super Rugby experience and 35 test caps for Australia, Ioane is one of the highest profile players to join the league. He was a starting winger for the Wallabies at the 2011 World Cup and made 66 appearances for the Queensland Reds between 2008 and 2013, having previously played two seasons with the Western Force.

Ioane signed a two-year deal with Stade Français in 2013, and has spent the last four seasons in the Japan Top League with the Honda Heat and Panasonic Wild Knights. He also had a short stint with the Crusaders during the 2017 Super Rugby campaign.

Now 34, Ioane remains in peak physical condition and should be a potent attacking threat for the Raptors. With Harley Davidson signing for Rugby ATL, there is an immediate opening on the wing though Ioane has played much of his rugby in Japan at outside center.

The signing – still to be announced by Glendale but confirmed by Americas Rugby News – will be a boost for Raptors fans who have learned of the departure of several of their top players to retirement or other clubs. Among those leaving are starting halfbacks Shaun Davies and Will Magie.