Connacht stalwart Kieran Marmion is to leave the club at the end of the season.
With 224 appearances over 11 seasons, scrum-half Marmion is third on the all-time appearances list for the province behind John Muldoon and Michael Swift.
However the 31-year-old has been linked with a move to Bristol, with rumours circulating that he had wanted more than a one year deal to stay at the Sportsground but that an agreement could not be struck.
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Marmion has made 28 Ireland appearances and started in the 2018 victory over the All Blacks at the Aviva Stadium. The highlight of his Connacht stay was his involvement in the famous 2016 PRO12 final victory over Leinster.
Born in England and raised in Wales, he joined Connacht's academy through the Irish Exiles program after making the Ireland under-20s set-up.
"It’s been a really tough decision for me to leave Connacht Rugby," he said. "I can’t thank the club enough for the opportunity that they have given me.
"I’d also like to thank the coaches that I’ve worked with over the years, the many players I’ve played alongside, and the fans for their dedicated support and passion throughout my time here.
"I cannot express how much it means to us players when you show up week in, week out to support us.
"The people of Connacht have been so welcoming to me ever since I moved over and I’ve been honoured to call the place home for the past 12 years.
"While my time at the club has come to an end I am excited about the next chapter of my career. I will always look back on my time with Connacht Rugby with huge pride and I wish the club continued success both on and off the field."
Andy Friend, the province's director of rugby, praised Marmion's massive contribution to the westerners.
"Whilst we were keen for Kieran to stay at the club, he has decided now is the right time in his career to seek a new challenge," said Friend, who is also departing in the summer.
"We are obviously very disappointed to see him go, but we fully appreciate that he has to do what he feels is right for him and his career over the next few years.
"He will rightly go down as one of the all-time great players for this province and on behalf of the club I want to thank him for his brilliant service to Connacht for over 10 years.
"The club will make sure he and our departing players get a deserved send-off at the end of the season, but until then we look forward to Kieran playing a big part in helping the province work towards a successful season both in the URC and Challenge Cup."
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