Popular Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby captain Mike Coman will start a two-year deal with Scottish Pro 12 club Edinburgh at the end of this season's ITM Cup.
Coman, who will play his 34th first class game for the Magpies against North Harbour at Napier's McLean Park tomorrow, said his departure
wasn't a reaction to yet another snub from Super Rugby selectors.
"I actually signed up for this deal at the start of this season. I'm ready for game time and I'm ready to play. It will be nice to be based in one place. I've had enough of driving between Hawke's Bay and Wellington," Coman said, referring to his time as a member of the Hurricanes wider training group.
Coman, who celebrated his 26th birthday today, said it would be "pretty sad" for him to leave the Bay.
"I've had some of the best years of my life here and have made so many friends. It's important I leave Hawke's Bay in the best possible position when I leave and that means I'll be doing my best to help the Magpies win the Championship and return to the Premiership ... the next two games are crucial in that quest."
