LESS than two weeks after announcing he was leaving the Warringah Rats to join Andrew Forrest’s touted Western Sydney club in the World Series Rugby competition, Darren Coleman has sensationally joined Gordon Rugby Club.

The decision to join Gordon’s Shute Shield campaign for the 2019 season comes after late developments which have clouded Forrest’s proposed Western Sydney World Series expansion.

“When I resigned from Warringah two weeks ago the plan was definitely to go to the Western Sydney franchise in that competition,” Coleman told foxsports.com.au.

“But in the last few days I’ve had some advice that’s on shaky ground and my understanding now is that team won’t be included in 2019.

“I’ve consequently connected with Gordon who were in search for a coach and I’ve ended up there.”

Forrest had hoped to tap into the Western Sydney market, particularly after the removal of the Penrith Emus from the Shute Shield left the region without a rugby club, but that now appears unlikely.

While NSW Rugby and Rugby Australia are believed to have been cautious about the mooted Western Sydney club because of the impact it would have on the Shute Shield, conversations have been positive between the parties.

Coleman explored the idea of returning to the Rats, but it was agreed the two would cut ties.

“I discussed with the VP of rugby with that this morning and two weeks ago I resigned and both parties were moving on,” Coleman said.

“I had a wonderful time at Warringah and I’m really thankful for the experience that I’ve had there and the understanding that the board has shown me in allowing me to pursue things.

“I’ve got nothing but kind and positive words to say about the Warringah club and people.”

Gordon, who finished last on the Shute Shield standings following the culling of Penrith, have been on the hunt for a new head coach for some time after they sacked Mark Philip early in the season and brought in Kolose Feaunati on a caretaker basis.

While conversations moved quickly over the past few days to secure Coleman, it’s understood discussions between the respective parties began weeks ago.

Coleman’s arrival is a coup for Gordon.

The full-time rugby coach led the Rats to their first premiership in 12 years in 2017 and followed up their Shute Shield title by another grand final appearance this season.

Gordon managed just one win in 2018 and their first-grade side was involved in an all-in brawl at a training session.

Ironically, they came close to pulling off one of the upsets of the year against the Rats.

It’s believed that Coleman is viewing the opportunity to elevate Gordon, who have one of the most exciting colts squads in Sydney, up the standings as his best chance to press for a Super Rugby coaching gig.

“Like everyone, you aspire to go to higher levels of the game but at this point in time those opportunities aren’t presenting themselves,” Coleman said.

“I like the challenge that different teams and different clubs present.

“Of course everyone wants to test themselves at the best possible level.

“I coach at the NRC level and I was very open to the Western Sydney in a fully professional franchise, (but) it just doesn’t seem it’ll bear fruit in the short-term so I had to make a decision based on my family.”

Coleman said he hoped to change the culture of Gordon and bring the community together.

“Just like anytime you go into a new place, you’ve got to meet the people and work out who wants to be involved and who doesn’t,” Coleman said.

“My first goal is to set up a rugby program that Gordon colts, which are very strong, want to be a part of and move to grade and be a part of a strong club.

“And potentially bring ex-Gordon players, who left for various reasons, who may see it as a worthwhile club and a high quality football program to join.”