The Leeds skipper could be on his way to Bath

The 26-year-old lock is believed to be a target for Bath as a replacement for England international Steve Borthwick who is joining Saracens next season.

Hooper has captained the club for the past three campaigns and will remain as skipper until his contract expires in the summer.

"This has been an extremely difficult decision to make," Hooper said.

Hooper has made 102 appearances for Leeds so far and was an influential part of the team that lifted the Powergen Cup in 2005, beating Bath in the final.

His form won him an England A call-up in the same year.

I have no hesitation at all in retaining him as captain of the club for the remainder of this season Leeds Director of Rugby Stuart Lancaster

The lock also gained huge admiration for staying at Headingley following Leeds' relegation to National One in 2006. His form was again a major factor in the West Yorkshire club's rapid return to the Premiership.

"I wanted to make the decision about my future as soon as possible so they could plan for the future, and now we can get on with the rest of the season and progressing in the Premiership and European Challenge Cup," added Hooper.

Leeds look set to be relegated once more as they sit bottom of the Guinness Premiership, five points from safety with just one league win to their name.

Leeds Director of Rugby Stuart Lancaster said: "We are obviously disappointed to be losing Stuart, but he is a player who has given outstanding service to the club.

"Stuart was one of the loyal players who stood by the club two years ago, and I have no hesitation at all in retaining him as captain of the club for the remainder of this season.

"We made Stuart an extremely attractive offer to remain at the club. However, he has decided the time is right in his career to look for a fresh challenge in a new environment from next season."