Felipe Contepomi will leave Leinster at the end of the season after agreeing a four-year deal with Toulon.
Argentinian star set to leave Leinster
Felipe Contepomi has confirmed he will leave Leinster at the end of the season after agreeing a four-year deal with Toulon.
The Argentina international established himself as a firm favourite in his six years at Leinster, scoring a mammoth 1193 points in 111 appearances.
The 31-year-old fly-half was in the final year of his contract with the Irish side and with the continued emergence of youngster Jonathan Sexton, he feels the time is right for a new challenge.
Toulon were promoted to the French Top 14 last season and have already attracted a host of high-profile players including Tana Umaga and Jerry Collins.
"This is one of the hardest decisions that I have ever had to make in my career," said Contepomi.
"I spoke with my family about it at length, but I feel that the end of this season is the best time to make a new start."
Since arriving from Bristol in 2003, Contepomi has helped Leinster reach the knock-out stage of the Heineken Cup on four occasions, including the semi-finals in 2006.
The Dubliners were also runners-up in the 2006 Magners League before winning last season's championship.
Contepomi's wife Paula gave birth to their daughter, Catalina, during his time with Leinster and he also studied at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
"I have played some of the best years of my career with Leinster," he added. "They are the team that I have also played with the longest in my career.
"I have seen the team grow, on and off the field, every year. I feel a strong link with Leinster because I have been blessed an Irish-born daughter and with people who supported my ambition to complete my medical studies.
Special
"The supporters will always hold a special place in my heart for the way in which they have treated me and my family.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the management, my team-mates and all of our supporters for the opportunity to play with a team that I will always hold close to my heart."
Contepomi is aiming to bow out with more silverware as Leinster face Harlequins in the quarter-finals of this season's Heineken Cup on April 12 while they lie second in the Magners League, three points behind Munster with six games remaining.
"We have three important months left in the season and my sole intention now is to do my best to try to help to win the Heineken Cup and retain the Magners League title for the club," he said.
"It has been an incredible journey and I'd like to finish it on a high."
Outstanding ambassador
Leinster's chief executive Mick Dawson hailed Contepomi's contribution to the club, adding: "Since joining Leinster in 2003, Felipe has been an outstanding ambassador for the province.
"He has been an integral part of the squad in both the Magners League and the Heineken Cup over the years and his level of performance has been unwavering in that time.
"A hugely popular and charismatic player amongst our loyal supporters as well as in the dressing-room amongst his team-mates, I know how determined Felipe will be to finish this chapter of his career on a high.
"Whilst we did everything in our capacity to tempt Felipe to stay, he and his family will leave Leinster with our best wishes and thanks."
