Freddie Burns, Leicester’s match-winner in final season’s Premiership last, will depart the membership in February to hitch New Zealand-based Highlanders.
Leicester stated they’d agreed for the previous England worldwide, 32, to be launched early from his contract.
“At this stage in my profession, the chance was one I noticed as too good to show down,” said Burns.
Burns has made 114 appearances in two spells with Leicester, initially becoming a member of in 2014 from Gloucester and leaving for Tub three years later.
After time taking part in in Japan, he returned to Welford Road in the summer of 2021, with the spotlight of his second stint with Tigers being the drop-goal that ended Leicester’s nine-year look ahead to a league title.
Burns added: “My return to this membership was unbelievable – to be part of a bunch like this with gamers who’re so tight and dedicated to 1 one other.
“The way in which it has performed out exceeded something I may have dreamed of taking place.
“To have had the moments we’ve had collectively up to now few seasons, not simply the ultimate win, has been like a dream and one thing I’ll by no means, ever overlook.”