Rabeni has 27 international caps for Fiji

Centre Seru Rabeni is leaving Leeds Carnegie to join French second division club La Rochelle.

Leeds said they were disappointed after making the 31-year-old Fiji international a "substantial" offer.

Director of rugby Andy Key said: "It is fair to say that the contract Seru agreed with La Rochelle would only be available in France."

The move highlights the growing concern that British clubs are being priced out of the international market.

Rabeni, who was only at Leeds for one season, was recently named in this season's Guinness Premiership's Dream Team.

Key said: "Seru informed us of his decision to move to France some weeks ago but intimated to us that he had had second thoughts about that decision and wished to remain at Headingley Carnegie.

606: DEBATE La Rochelle play the ProD2 play-off final against Lyon on Sunday, so he may be playing Top 14 rugby next season Mick TEFC entre parentheses

"Unfortunately after several weeks of hard work behind the scenes by the club and lawyers on behalf of Seru, we have been unable to retain Seru because of the contract he had already signed with La Rochelle.

"We understand that a rugby player's career is short and that they must look to maximise their potential income, especially when you consider the position Seru found himself in this time last year.

"Whilst we regret that Seru will now have to move to France, he will go with our thanks for an excellent season this year and we wish him all the best. We will continue our recruitment process for the new season."

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