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Ryan Cross © Gallo Images

Force lose Cross to Waratahs, sign Fairbanks



The Perth-based Western Force have signed former ACT Brumbies and Queensland centre Gene Fairbanks from Japanese club Honda, WA Rugby announced on Thursday.

Fairbanks has agreed a two-year Super 15 deal and will replace Wallaby Ryan Cross, who is moving to the NSW Waratahs.

The 27-year-old Fairbanks, who toured with the Wallabies in 2006 but didn't play a test, made his Super rugby debut for the Reds in 2003 before switching to the Brumbies, where he played 38 games.

"I wanted to spend a bit of time overseas travelling and to experience another culture and rugby," Fairbanks said in a statement.

"But my plan all along was to return to Super rugby and to get that opportunity with the Force is something I'm really happy about."

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