McLinden moved to London from Canberra in 2004

Harlequins full-back Mark McLinden will quit the club at the end of the season.

The Australian is to return home after four years in London with Harlequins and the Broncos, a spell he described as the best experience of his life.

"I certainly don't want to be losing one of my best players," said Harlequins coach Brian McDermott.

"But the quota system means difficult decisions have to be taken at the right time. He has been very supportive of both the club and myself."

McLinden, who moved to London after making his name with the Canberra Raiders, has mixed feelings about the decision.

"I have been in London now for four years and feel it is about time I returned home. My mum has been trying to get me back home ever since I left, and you can only say no to your mum for so long.

�My experience here has been the best of my life, and I have the players, staff and our supporters to thank for making my time so enjoyable.

Everyone associated with the club has appreciated what he can do on a rugby pitch and has enjoyed his company off the pitch Quins chairman Keith Hogg on Mark McLinden

"Although I return to my family and friends in Australia, I feel that I will always be welcome back at 'The Stoop', and look forward to visiting in the future."

Keith Hogg, Harlequins Rugby League chairman, added: "On behalf of everyone at Harlequins Rugby League I wish Mark all the best for the future and thank him for all he has done for our club.

"I know that everyone associated with the club has appreciated what he can do on a rugby pitch and has enjoyed his company off the pitch.

"He returns to Australia with a tremendous reputation and should be very proud of what he has achieved during his time in London," Hogg said.

You can hear all the latest news from Harlequins and the Super League with Ian Ramsdale in the Rugby League show on BBC London 94.9 from 2100 BST on Thursday.