"We are getting a highly experienced centre-back in Kye and we’re looking forward to integrating him with the team ahead of the start of preseason," said Ally Mackay, DC United General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer, said in a statement on the club’s website.

"He has played the last three seasons in the Scottish Premiership and has been a pillar for the Australian National Team since 2022.

"Kye is a leader on the field who has good defensive instincts and the ability to play out from the back. We believe he will fit in well to Troy’s system and we’re excited to welcome him to the District.”

The moves sees Rowles end his two-and-a-half season stint with the Scottish club after making 103 appearances and scoring one goal since joining from Central Coast Mariners in June 2022.

“Thank you to everyone at @heartofmidlothianfc for the past few seasons,” Rowles posted on Instagram. “It’s been a privilege to represent this historic club. Edinburgh has been so welcoming and I’m grateful to have met many great people.

“To the boys I’ve had the pleasure of sharing the changeroom and pitch with, I can’t thank you enough! I wish the club nothing but the best for the future.”

Rowles has been included in the Socceroos squad for five of their six matches in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 matches so far, with the Australians currently sitting in second place in the Group C standings.

Tony Popovic’s side will next face Indonesia in Sydney on March 20 before travelling to Hangzhou to take on China PR five days later.