Mowan to Miss 2015 World Cup with Proposed France Move

Current Australia captain Ben Mowen has decided to pursue a career in French rugby from the end of the year and, therefore, looks set to miss out on representing the Wallabies at the next Rugby World Cup.

The 29-year-old Brumbies flanker, who guided them to the Super Rugby final against the Waitkato Chiefs, has played in 15 tests for Australia, after making his international debut against the British and Irish Lions last June before being made captain by coach Ewen McKenzie. his international debut 

The Australian Rugby Union has a policy of only picking home-based players.

"I would have loved to have lined up to help Australia win the next rugby World Cup," said loose forward Mowen, 29, who will join a French club.

"But my priority at this stage in my life is my family."

Mowen said the heavy travel schedule involved in Super Rugby and with the Wallabies had caused him to miss time with his wife and daughter.

He added: "I will be cheering hard from a distance - we have the squad and coaching staff to achieve a Rugby World Cup win in 2015 and I wish them all the very best."

Coach McKenzie added that "it's obviously disappointing to lose a player of Ben's calibre. 

"But after speaking to him about his personal priorities, we appreciate that he is making this decision based on what is right for him personally and professionally."