Leicester Tigers can confirm that Bryce Hegarty will leave the club midway through the 2022/23 season to join Australian Super Rugby side the Western Force ahead of their 2023 campaign.
Hegarty's departure comes after mutual agreement between the player and club for an early release of his contract with Leicester Tigers.
The 29-year-old has made 15 appearances for Leicester Tigers since his debut in October 2021 and scored 63 points, playing at fly-half and full-back.
Speaking about Hegarty's time at the club, Leicester Tigers Head Coach Steve Borthwick said: "In a short time, Bryce has made a big impact at Leicester Tigers and I am grateful for having had the chance to work with him."
"I am sure I speak for all of our supporters, as well as everybody at the club, when I say thank you to Bryce for what he has given to Tigers on and off the pitch during his time so far in Leicester.
"His contribution to what we are building and the experience he has been able to offer has been a great contributing factor to the progress we have made.
"We have plenty of games between now and when Bryce will depart, of which he is committed to playing a big part in and continuing to contribute to Leicester Tigers in the professional and positive way he has since arriving."
Hegarty added: "I have really enjoyed my time at Tigers so far and am grateful for the opportunity I have had to represent such a prestigious club."
"I am really excited for the season ahead and bringing the best of me to the club for the remaining time I’ll be at the club. I feel extremely motivated to leave on a good note.
"The opportunity to head back to Australia was a tough decision to make. However, I felt the opportunity to put myself in the best position possible to be a part of the World Cup squad for Australia was too hard to let pass by. I am very grateful to Steve and the club for allowing me this opportunity."
BRYCE HEGARTY
Leicester Tigers debut: October 30, 2021 v Northampton Saints (Franklin’s Gardens)
Leicester Tigers appearances: 15
Leicester Tigers points: 63 (4 x tries, 8 x conversions, 9 x penalty-goals)
