Aussie Sevens star Ben O'Donnell is joining Irish Pro14 side Connacht next season, ending his chances of a Tokyo Olympic berth.
O'Donnell's Olympics plans had already been dashed once before after he suffered an ACL injury on the World Series in January.
With the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics, it was hoped he would be fit for a 2021 push but this move all but ends that possibility, regardless of his fitness.
O'Donnell is one of a number of Aussie Sevens players off contract in August and he has looked abroad to have a taste of XVs after making waves on the Sevens circuit in recent seasons.
Connacht coach Andy Friend, who gave O'Donnell his Sevens debut back in 2017, said he was excited to reunite with the playmaker.
“I am delighted to welcome Ben and Abraham to Connacht Rugby," he said.
"I got to know Ben very well on the Australian Sevens scene. It did not surprise me that he went on to become such an important player for them and I am thrilled that he has chosen to join Connacht.
"Abraham is a powerful number 8 who has all the attributes to become a really valuable player for us while furthering our options in the back row. I know every Connacht supporter will be excited to see what he can offer.”
O'Donnell joins former Aussie Sevens teammate John Porch at the Irish club.
Pro14 organisers have plans for the competition to resume on August 22 after the season was shut down earlier this year amid the coronavirus pandemic.
