London Irish have released former Springbok wing Pieter Rossouw from his contract to make way for a permanent return of player/coach Brendan Venter.
The Exiles tore up his contract on Thursday after the club decided of necessity to bring Venter out of semi-retirement to play again. This swelled the number of overseas players to beyond the permissable quota of two (Naka Drotske is also with the club).
In a statement released by the club, it was explained that "Due to these unexpected circumstances, and no prospect of them changing in the foresseable future, London Irish and Pieter have decided that he be released from his contract".
Rossouw, 31, is undecided over whether he will continue his playing career but insists if that was to be in his native country it would only be with his former side tWestern Province and the Stormers Super 12 franchise.
Rossouw, who won 42 caps for the Springboks, has made just eight appearances since joining the Exiles earlier this year.
"It is very unfortunate that things have worked out the way they have through an unforeseen combination of circumstances," said Irish rugby managing director Conor O'Shea.
"It has been a privilege to have a player of Pieter's experience at London Irish. The club wishes him and his family all the very best for the future."