WASPS lock Marco Wentzel is returning home to South Africa.
He is returning to Cape Town for family reasons and although he says he’d like to keep playing he hasn’t found another club yet.
Wentzel, who played for the Barbarians this summer, played 51 times for Wasps during his two seasons at Adams Park and regularly captained the side.
He said: “It has not been easy for me to make this decision but I left South Africa nine years ago and I realise that is where I need to be now around my family.
“It is tough to leave Wasps when things are looking so bright and I am grateful to Dai Young for understanding my position.
“On the other hand I am happy to be leaving when things are going well for the club and I think there is a very positive future with the squad that Dai is developing here.
“I was lucky enough to captain Wasps a number of times over the past few years and I want to thank all of the fans for getting behind us during some rocky times.
“Hopefully there are a few more years in my body yet but I haven’t got any fixed plans for playing when I return home.”
Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said: “It’s disappointing to lose Marco, especially at this time of year which will make replacing him very difficult.
“He has played an important role for the club over the last two seasons and I know it wasn’t an easy decision for him.”
Wasps also lost hooker T Rhys Thomas against their wishes ealier this summer, when he returned to Wales – also for family reasons.
