Prop Tim Fairbrother to leave Premiership champions Harlequins

Tim Fairbrother: Will return to New Zealand after leaving Harlequins

Harlequins prop Tim Fairbrother is to "take some time out" after announcing his decision to leave the Aviva Premiership champions.

The 30-year-old was limited to just 13 appearances for Quins after joining in 2011 from the Western Force - with an unlucky series of injuries hampering his progress.

And Fairbrother, who also had a Super Rugby stint at the Hurricanes, has now decided to return to his native New Zealand.

Fairbrother said: "I've enjoyed my season at Harlequins and am disappointed that I was unable to make a bigger contribution to last year's success.

"I plan to take some time out of the game to consider my options. I would like to thank all at Harlequins for facilitating my early return home."

Harlequins director of rugby Conor O'Shea has praised the impact Fairbrother has had on the club over the past 12 months.

"While Tim's first team appearances may have been limited after an excellent start to last season, he has made a major contribution to the club and to our ultimate success in winning the Aviva Premiership," he said.

"His work behind the scenes with our young front row forwards has been invaluable and I have no doubt he will continue to have a successful career ahead of him. We are very grateful to him and wish him and his family all the very best for the future."