Dowd has played a key role in Wasps' recent success

The 38-year-old former prop joined the club in 2001 and moved into management when he retired in 2005.

As a player, he won three Guinness Premiership winners medals as well the Heineken Cup in 2004.

"The memories of my time here will stay with me for the rest of my life, I have had a fantastic seven years," he said.

"I will be sad to leave a club that is very, very close to my heart, but there are other priorities in my life that I have to consider, namely my kids.

"I want to be able to give them the upbringing I had as child in New Zealand and also give them the opportunity get to know their extended family, including their grandparents.

MY SPORT: DEBATE What do you make of Dowd's departure?

"Ideally, I would have made the move at the end of the season but whilst North Harbour was willing to keep the job open for me for a couple of months, they would not have waited six months."

Dowd won 59 caps for the All Blacks and as a coach with Wasps, helped the club to the then Powergen Cup last year and a second Heineken Cup victory this May.

"Craig was one of the greatest players of all time and when he moved on to coaching he applied himself with the same commitment and effort that epitomised his playing career," said Wasps head coach Shaun Edwards.

"He has especially been a help and inspiration to many of the younger players at Wasps."