Toulon - South African utility back Conrad Barnard has been released by French Top 14 club Toulon, the team announced on Wednesday, despite effectively saving them from relegation last season.
The 30-year-old - who can play either fly-half or fullback - had asked to be let go a few days ago, according to club president Mourad Boudjellal.
Barnard arrived at Toulon in February last year when the richly-assembled team - bankrolled by Boudjellal - was struggling to stay out of the relegation places.
However, thanks to his goalkicking in the seven matches he played they managed to garner an invaluable point which proved the difference between going down and retaining their place among the elite.
However, this campaign has seen him play just four times, only one of them as a starter.
"He (Barnard) wanted to have more playing time, but with Jonny Wilkinson, Felipe Contepomi and Tom May in the squad, it was very difficult for him to get a place in the side," Boudjellal told AFP.
Boudjellal, who revealed they had come to a gentleman's agreement, was not willing to say how much they had paid Barnard for his departure.