Leinster have confirmed Irish international Ian Madigan will leave the province at the end of the season to join Bordeaux Begles.
The 26-year-old has spent the entirety of his career with Leinster but the return of Jonathan Sexton from Racing Metro in the summer has limited his opportunities to start in his favoured position of fly-half.
Reports in the French media last week stated talks with Bordeaux were at an advanced stage but there were a number of suitors interested in Madigan.
Confirming the move, Madigan admitted the decision to leave the only club he has ever known was a tough one but said it is a necessary step if he is to get the game-time he needs to continue developing at fly-half.
"While this was a very difficult decision for me to make, leaving the club that I have represented my whole professional life, I feel that the timing is right and it is a challenge that I'm looking forward to," Madigan said.
"Bordeaux Begles are a team that are making strides in the Top 14 and in Europe and I look forward to being part of that journey and to experiencing a new style of rugby and a new life in France."
With Sexton back at Leinster, Madigan has been largely confined to the bench this season or asked to play at centre or full-back.
He will hope to secure more minutes at fly-half in Bordeaux where he will compete with Pierre Bernard, France-capped Lionel Beauxis and Romain Lonca for playing time.
Bordeaux are currently fifth in the Top 14 and bottom of Pool 2 in the Champions Cup, behind Exeter Chiefs, Clermont and Ospreys.
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen said: "Ian has been a tremendous servant to Leinster and Irish rugby and we wish him well with his move abroad. We fully understand his motivations for deciding to join Bordeaux.
"Ian has come through the Leinster Academy and age grade system and at 26 still has a huge future in the game and we may see him return to Leinster at some point."
Leinster and Ireland legend Brian O'Driscoll tweeted: "It was inevitable Ian Madigan would leave. Deserves to start as a 10 somewhere so good luck to him. Really hope it works out."
Madigan becomes the second high-profile Leinster back in a week to announce his departure from the province at the end of the season, joining Ben Te'o who announced he will be joining Worcester Warriors.