Troubled former All Black Zac Guildford has ended his stint with French club Clermont Auvergne.
Guildford is heading home halfway through his two-year deal and indicated he was suffering personal problems and homesickness.
Clermont coach Franck Azema was bitterly disappointed to be losing Guildford saying "we have many regrets."
"He expressed a desire to return home quickly...and will not honour the last year of his contract.
"This is a big disappointment and we have many regrets. We will keep contact with Zac and can only wish him to find in New Zealand, all the stability and support necessary to help him find the right track."
Guildford's tweeted he's been unable to return to his best at Clermont.
"Unfortunately couldn't return to my best rugby at Clermont and thought it was time to move on and be closer to family thank you for asm fans." Guildford tweeted.
"Another opportunity for me to become fitter and mentally stronger. No point in thinking of what could of been time to look to the future."
The former Crusader was handed a lifeline by Clermont when the 11-test All Black lost his New Zealand contract after repeated behaviour problems and battles with alcohol.
