Prior packing for Perth

Brumbies scrumhalf Ian Prior will join the Western Force next season, after signing for two years.

Prior will join former Reds teammate Luke Morahan in Force colours from 2014 – alongside the likes of Matt Hodgson, Hugh McMeniman, Ben McCalman, Alby Mathewson, Pek Cowan, Chris Alcock, Kyle Godwin, Nathan Charles and Sias Ebersohn.

The 22-year-old made his Super Rugby debut for Queensland in their 2011 Super Rugby championship-winning season and started off the bench in the side's 18-13 win over the Crusaders in the Final in Brisbane.

The 2010 Australian Under-20 representative moved to Canberra to link with the Brumbies ahead of the 2011 Super Rugby season, where he has added a further 19 Super Rugby caps to his tally.

Prior, who has played a total of 25 Super Rugby matches, says he's looking forward to joining the Force from next season.

"I was really excited to sign with the Force and be a part of an up-and-coming team," he said.

"When I came to the Brumbies they were in a similar position and I've always enjoyed the challenge of contributing to an always-improving team.

"I spoke to Luke Morahan in depth [about joining the Western Force] and we had similar views on contributing to a young and up-and-coming team and helping contribute to a winning culture based on our experiences.

"Based on their performances this season, the Force is heading in the right direction; they're building the right culture under Michael Foley and that really appealed to me. They're playing a positive brand of footy this season which is great to see as a player joining the side next year."

Force coach Michael Foley says Prior is another quality addition to the Western Force backline in 2014.

"Ian's an excellent up-and-coming player who has already played over 20 games at a Super Rugby level," he said.

"The experience he's had to date, provides a great foundation for further development and ensures we're  building  depth in the key No.9 position."