Mallett could seal a second title before he goes

Mallett signed a new two-year deal in Febuary after guiding Stade to the title in his first year in charge.

But he said: "It is two years since I arrived in France and I don't see my family often enough

"Next year the championship becomes one pool of 16 teams so the schedule will be even busier, leaving me no way of going home from time to time."

English-born Mallett, a fluent French speaker, has two sons aged 15 and 17 living and being educated in Cape Town.

Stade's president Max Guazzini said: "I am sad he is leaving. For the moment there is no-one in mind for his replacement."

Stade had a difficult start to the defence of their title, because of injuries and World Cup absentees.

But Mallett has managed to turn their season around and on Saturday they play Toulouse for a place in the championship semi-finals.