Northampton Saints have announced that Alex Corbisiero has left the club with immediate effect.
The 27-year-old prop has been dogged by injuries in recent years and last month revealed that he is planning to take a year-long sabbatical from the game at the end of the season.
However, having undergone knee surgery in December, the former England and British and Irish Lions forward has now been released early from his contract at Franklin's Gardens.
"I would like to thank everyone in the Northampton Saints organisation for all of their support on and off the field these last couple of years," Corbisiero said in a statement.
"I've had some amazing highs and some frustrating lows while at Saints, but I have always been well looked after and supported. I've shared some incredible memories and made some great friendships along the way. It has been an honour to be part of such a special group of players, and I wish them all the best for this season and the future.
"It was a privilege to play in front of [the Northampton supporters] at the Gardens, and I will never forget the atmosphere they create and how they rally behind the team week in, week out."
Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder added: "Alex has made a big contribution to the Saints, on and off the pitch, and we've all been frustrated that he has not been able to make a consistent run of appearances in the first team. We wish him success in whatever he decides to do in the future."
Corbisiero was part of the Northampton side that won the Premiership and European Challenge Cup in 2014.
