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Bath have confirmed that Leroy Houston will be returning to Australia
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The back-rower will join Super Rugby franchise Queensland reds
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The 29-year-old is set to make his Test debut after being named in the Wallabies squad
Bath have confirmed that fan favourite back-rower Leroy Houston will be returning to Australia after signing with the Queensland Reds.
After three seasons and 89 appearances in the Blue, Black and White, Houston is heading back to Super Rugby.
The 29-year-old had one year left on his contract, but the temptation to become a full international proved too strong and Wallabies head coach Micahel Cheika eventually got his man.
Commenting on the decision, Houston said: “This has been an incredibly difficult decision for me – I have loved every minute of playing for Bath.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone at the Club for making my time here so enjoyable, and for their understanding in allowing me to leave to pursue my international ambitions. I’d also like to thank the fantastic supporters, who have given me so much support since I’ve been here – they’ve been amazing to me.
“Getting the opportunity to represent my country has always been an ambition of mine, and getting the chance to realise that is the only reason that I would even consider leaving Bath.
“I love this Club, the people here and the beautiful city, and I will definitely miss it – I’ll be watching and cheering on from Australia!”
Toby Booth, First Team Coach at Bath, added: “Leroy has been fantastic in his time at Bath, and we’re really sad to see him go. His performances speak for themselves – he’s always given 100% every time he’s pulled on the Bath shirt. He’s been a hugely popular member of the squad, always smiling and willing to go the extra mile, and we’ll miss that. We’d all love to see him achieve his aim of playing for Australia.”