Fairbrother makes the switch from the Western Force having previously played for the Hurricanes © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

Match Pack: Harlequins smash Gloucester

Reaction: O'Shea: Players driven by pain

Players/Officials: Tim Fairbrother

Tournaments/Tours: Super Rugby | Aviva Premiership

Teams: Australia | England | Force | Harlequins

Harlequins have bolstered their front row ranks with the signing of Western Force prop Tim Fairbrother.

The New Zealand-born Fairbrother joined the Force in 2009 having previously played for the Hurricanes and had hoped to earn international honours due to his Australian-born grandparents. But having failed to break into the Wallabies set-up the tight-head has opted to move.

"The Wallabies coaching staff were looking for something different in their front row at the moment and I can head to England happy in the knowledge I gave it my best crack," Fairbrother told AAP. "I have really enjoyed my time in Perth, it was the right decision for me to come across and I feel as though now is the right decision to test myself in another competition after nine seasons in Super Rugby."

Harlequins are yet to confirm the signing, but Fairbrother insists the move was not financially motivated. "I wanted further experiences in life," he said. "I've played a long time in Super Rugby and it's time to move on.

"I set a few goals when I came to the Force, I wanted to give it a good crack and the ARU decision is out of my hands. I did what I could to put my best foot forward and it didn't work. They weren't looking for someone like me."

Quins' director of rugby Conor O'Shea welcomed his latest squad addition, commenting, "Tim is exactly the sort of person and player we have been looking to bring in. We are really happy with the squad we have but were also conscious that we needed to add experience to complement the young players we have in our squad. Tim fits the bill and there is no doubting that, with his style of rugby, he will have a major impact on the Aviva Premiership."

Before heading north, Fairbrother is confident that he can help the Force turn things around in the wake of their 51-16 defeat to the Stormers at the weekend - their third defeat of the campaign. "We have a great bunch of guys at the club and working together we can definitely have an impact in the competition this year," Fairbrother said ahead of Saturday's clash with the Rebels.

"The result against the Stormers was not a reflection on how good we can be and we're all looking forward to getting out onto the field again on Saturday against the Rebels and getting back to our best."