Blues back Rene Ranger is on his way back to France after signing with La Rochelle.
Ranger, who played for French club Montpellier before returning to the Blues last year in order to try to force his way back into the All Blacks, has struggled with injury since his time back in Auckland.
He has also been overtaken by several players, including Rieko Ioane and Melani Nanai, with Sonny Bill Williams and George Moala making up the Blues' midfield.
Ranger, 30, played six tests for the All Blacks but was unlikely to have made Tana Umaga's squad for next year.
La Rochelle finished regular season champions in the Top 14 competition, but were eliminated by Toulon in the semifinals.
