Sale-bound fly-half Danny Cipriani has left Melbourne Rebels with immediate effect.
The seven-cap England international was poised to leave the Australian Super Rugby franchise at the end of the season after penning a three-year deal with the Sharks.
But he has left the outfit by mutual consent with an eye of regaining a place in the England set-up ahead of their summer tour to South Africa.
"Going to be sad to leave all my team-mates," Cipriani said on Twitter. "Made some friends for life over here.
"Loved my time in Melbourne. The fans having been truly amazing. Thank you for all your support.
"I want to thank the club for being so understanding with my wishes and granting me a release to return to England.
"I've made no secret of my desire to play for England again and I believe leaving now will give me the best opportunity to do that.
"I feel I have developed my game in my time in Australia and become a more complete player.
"I wish the Rebels every success in the future and should the opportunity ever arise again I would not hesitate to return."
Cipriani has racked up 122 points during his two years with the Rebels and is the club's record points-scorer. Australia star James O'Connor could now fill the void at fly-half for the remainder of the Rebels' season.
"Danny goes with our blessing and we thank him for his contribution to our club during his time here," said Melbourne chief executive Steve Boland.
"Essentially the time is right for both parties to part company. The decision is amicable and we wish him all the best for the future."
