GLASGOW Warriors have confirmed that Leone Nakarawa will leave at the end of the season for France - a year before the end of his contract. The Fijian forward has been linked with Champions Cup finalists Racing 92 for some months, but the Warriors, who will receive compensation for his early departure, are leaving it to Nakarawa’s next club to make the announcement of his signing themselves.

“These types of opportunities only come around once and I couldn’t turn it down,” Nakarawa said on glasgowwarriors.org. “I’ll miss all of the players, but I’ll still keep in touch with them as I get on with them all so well.

“This is a new challenge which I’m looking forward to, but that is next season and my focus just now is trying to retain the Guinness PRO12 trophy and end my time at the club on a high. Glasgow Warriors have helped me a lot with the coaches and backroom staff improving my game and making me stronger. I'd also like to thank the Glasgow supporters for making me feel so welcome.”

Now 28, Nakarawa signed for Glasgow in 2013, then agreed a new deal at the end of 2014. He was a key player in the club’s PRO12 win last season, and was also one of the stars of the Rugby World Cup.

“Leone has attracted a lot of interest from other clubs due to the form he’s been in over the last year,” Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said. “During the Rugby World Cup a lot of clubs were interested in signing him and although we were looking to retain him, we have now agreed to let Leone leave a year early.

“Right from when there was interest in him I’ve been fully involved with Scottish Rugby in the discussions with Leone and his agent, and the deal which was subsequently agreed has allowed us to strengthen our squad for next season. Leone has been a fantastic player for the club and has been a pleasure to coach. He has worked hard and developed into one of the best second-rows in the world during the past three years.”