Phil Vickery has ended his 11-year career at Gloucester after declining a new contract.
World Cup-winning prop Phil Vickery will leave Gloucester at the end of the season after declining the offer of a contract extension.It ends an 11-year stay at Kingsholm for the 30-year-old, who is currently recovering from the third back operation of his career.
Gloucester had offered Vickery a restructured contract that was performance-related due to his injury problems.
But the 47-cap England veteran has turned it down, and is now being linked with a move to Guinness Premiership rivals Wasps.
"I was lucky enough to find that Gloucester became my home and the decision to leave the club now after 11 years is the second hardest of my life," he said.
"Gloucester is a place that eats, breathes and sleeps rugby and when you are a player in that environment it inspires you.
"I want to be happy and I want my family to be happy. Money has never been an issue for me in playing the game I love - the motivation to play has to come from within - but to maintain that level of hunger it is time to assess my options.
"Gloucester Rugby has, and always will, remain a very special part of my life and career."
Head coach Dean Ryan added: "I am disappointed to lose a player of Phil's distinction, leadership qualities and undoubted skill. He has been a talisman for Gloucester Rugby for 10 years and his experience was fundamental in our progress.
"He has attained the highest levels possible in the game - has captained his country and won the World Cup - and reluctantly we have to accept his decision.
"The key thing now is to ensure the continued support and development of our young but exceptionally gifted squad for the long term."
