Former All Blacks fly-half Carlos Spencer has left Northampton Saints by mutual consent.
Spencer, 33, joined the Saints in 2005 and has made over a hundred appearances for the club since his arrival. He played a full season in National League One in 2007-08 but has struggled to displace the youthful Stephen Myler since the side's return to the Premiership.
The breaking point for Spencer appeared to be his exclusion from the squad for last weekend's European Challenge Cup tie with Toulon.
"I have enjoyed my time at Franklin's Gardens and will be especially sad to leave the supporters who have been brilliant to me," he said. "I am still fit and strong and have certainly got a few good seasons in me yet so this is a good opportunity for me to take up a new challenge."
Spencer had been the subject of speculation linking him with a move to France, and there will certainly be some interest in a player that has both thrilled and bemused fans for many years with his flamboyant style.
"Carlos has been a model professional throughout his time here," said Saints boss Jim Mallinder. "However, this season his opportunities to start in the first team have been limited. Wherever he goes we wish him all the best".
Spencer made his international debut for the All Blacks against Argentina in 1997, going on to rack up 35 caps before retiring from international rugby. His final game for the All Blacks came in a 23-18 loss to Australia in 2004, although many will remember him chiefly for the wild pass that was picked off by Wallaby centre Stirling Mortlock to knock New Zealand out of the 2003 World Cup.