Wallabies outside centre Izaia Perese has confirmed his departure from the NSW Waratahs to take up a two year-deal at England's Leicester Tigers at the end of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
The hard-running 26-year-old has played three tests for Australia and been in standout form in the centres for the Waratahs in the first few games of the new season.
"It was a very, very difficult decision to make but it was also the best decision to make for me and my family going forward," the former rugby league winger said in a message to Waratahs fans on Thursday.
"We're going to be finishing the season off strong and putting it all into this week's game."
Meanwhile Waratahs coach Darren Coleman said the club was "sad" to see Perese depart the program after 31 games (so far) in blue.
"Izaia has been a terrific performer and team member for the Waratahs over the last three years and whilst it is sad to see him leave, we wish Izzy and his family all the best in the next phase of his career," he said in a statement.
Perese said it was "a difficult decision to leave the club".
"But it's also an exciting opportunity for my family and I to experience life in the UK and for me to take on a new challenge in my career," he said in a statement.
"I'll be looking to give my best in every game for the remainder of the season and hopefully give this competition a real shake come finals time."
The Waratahs play Fijian Drua in Lautoka on Saturday, when Perese will play his 38th game for the club.