Adam Beard has insisted it was an emotional decision to leave his boyhood club, the Ospreys, at the end of the current season, as he prepares to embark on a new chapter overseas - likely with French Top 14 side Montpellier.
The 29-year-old Wales second-row, who has represented his country 58 times and played one Test for the British and Irish Lions, will move on after a decade-long career with the Swansea-based region.
Beard has made 139 appearances since making his debut in 2014 and is one of the most respected figures in the Ospreys camp.
“I’ve loved my time at the Ospreys, which made this a really tough decision to make," said Beard.
"I grew up being an Ospreys supporter and I was lucky enough to have come through the academy system and then progress to the first team. To represent the club on so many occasions, makes me extremely proud.
“I have had lots of conversations with my family, friends and the coaches here, and feel like this is the right time to adventure into a new challenge for myself and my family.
“This is a great club, and I have enjoyed every second of playing here, from the training pitch to a game day.
"I have made friends and memories that will last a lifetime. This is a special place that has played a hugely important role in where I am as a player, and person, today.
“I would like to thank all the players, coaches, staff and fans here at the Ospreys from over the years, for all the great times that will live with me forever."
Beard is currently working to recover from injury in time to feature in Ospreys’ final home fixture of the United Rugby Championship season against the Dragons this Saturday.
His potential return would coincide with the farewell of long-time teammate Justin Tipuric, who is retiring and will soon transition into a coaching role.
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Ospreys boss Mark Jones paid tribute to Beard's significant impact on and off the field.
“Beardy’s influence has been ever-present in his time at the Ospreys. He will leave a big hole as a player, a set piece expert, and a leader.
“The Ospreys have historically placed a high importance on having a strong front five and he has been a key contributor in that for a long time. He’s an elite professional, but most of all, a great person.
“While we’ll miss Beardy’s presence at the club, we have high hopes for a lot of our second rows that have come through the ranks recently. His departure will provide an opportunity for those boys, along with any new additions we have, to step up as leaders.”
Though Montpellier has yet to confirm the signing, Beard has been closely linked with the French outfit for several months and is believed to have agreed terms with them last November.
The move would mark his first club venture outside Wales.
As the Ospreys prepare for a changing of the guard - with Wales stars Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan extending their contracts and Ross Moriarty expected to arrive from Brive - Beard’s departure signals the end of an era and the beginning of a new journey for one of Welsh rugby’s modern stalwarts.
