Felipe Contepomi will leave Leinster at the end of the season after agreeing a four-year deal with French club Toulon. The Argentinean playmaker, who is a firm favourite with Leinster and Irish rugby fans, has described the decision as “hardest” decision he has ever had to make.

“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” he said in a statement released by the province this evening.

“I have played some of the best years of my career with Leinster. They are the team that I have also played with the longest in my career.

Contepomi has been with the province since 2003 and has scored 1,193 points in 111 appearances.

"Since joining Leinster a few years ago 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 (Catalina) and with people who supported my ambition to complete my medical studies.

“The supporters will always hold a special place in my heart for the way in which that 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.

"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. It has been an incredible journey and I'd like to finish it on a high."

Coach Michael Cheika described ‘Dr Phil’ as “an unbelievable asset to the club” who will “be sadly missed”.

“He has been a great support for us at all levels and played an important role in the transition of the club into a strong professional organisation.

"His departure will inevitably provide an opportunity for another player, but Felipe still has a big role to play in the remaining months of the season."

Leinster chief executive Mick Dawson added: “Felipe has been an outstanding ambassador for the province. He has been an integral part of the Leinster 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."