Brendan Venter is stepping down as player-coach of Zurich Premiership club London Irish at the end of this season.
Venter is returning to his native South Africa to resume his medical career and will bring the curtain down on a glittering career when his contract runs out in June.
The 33-year-old former Springbok centre told planet-rugby.co.uk: "I've had a great innings and a fantastic career and there comes a time to move on.
"My time has come and when I return to South Africa I will return to my medical practice."
Venter has ruled out any full-time rugby involvement when he returns to South Africa, although he may help out on a part-time basis if and when his medical commitments permit.
"My medical practice will not allow me the luxury of enough time to coach full time," he added.
"I would enjoy doing some coaching, helping out in the afternoons somewhere, but there is no question of me coaching full time."
PA