Rory Best will hang up his boots as a pro after the Rugby World Cup.
Best, 37, had already confirmed that he will retire from Test rugby after events in Japan.
But Ulster have confirmed this morning that their skipper won't be staying on with the province after that and thus will end 15 years of service.
The ultra-experienced hooker had recently expressed some optimism that he would play on next season.
Speaking at the start of the month, Best said he was due to hold talks with Ulster head coach Dan McFarland and the province's head of Rugby Operations, Bryn Cunningham.
"We've had a few discussions and we always said we'd leave it until later in the season and see how I'm feeling," said Best at the time.
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"I'll just see where their heads are and where my head is and see if we can match up.
"Some days you wake up and go, 'That's it, I'll get to the World Cup and I've done enough'.
"Then we get to occasions like Saturday and you go, 'This is a team that actually - for the first time in a long time at Ulster - seemed to rise to the big occasion'. You want to be a part of that.
"Then the news of Jack (McGrath) signing (from Leinster)...to play alongside Jack at club level would be class.
"But ultimately I've got to weigh everything up and not just have a knee-jerk reaction.
"I think from an Ulster point of view they're not going to change their policy, if I stay or don't stay.
"Obviously I'll go off a national contract and they'll have to find the money for me if I stay. But it's not as if they're going to sign a replacement for me".
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Clearly, however, both sides have failed to strike an agreement and Best will bow out as an Ulster player once their involvement in the Guinness PRO14 ends.
He made his competitive debut for Ulster in 2004 and has amassed 219 appearances to date, scoring 23 tries, was a key member of the squad which won the Celtic League title in 2005/06 and was on the losing side against Leinster in the Champions Cup final in 2012.
Best is Ulster’s most-capped international with 116 appearances and has helped Ireland win the Six Nations Championship on four occasions, including two Grand Slam successes - one as captain.
He will skipper Joe Schmidt's squad at the World Cup.
“It is with mixed feelings that I announce my retirement from Ulster Rugby as of the end of this season,” said Best, in a statement released by the province.
“This feels like the right time for me to go out on my terms, a luxury for which I feel very privileged.
“I am very excited for the end of the season with Ulster Rugby and for the upcoming World Cup with Ireland, both of which I hope to finish with a massive high, playing at the top of my game.
“In my 15 years at this brilliant club, I have been lucky to have met, played alongside, been coached by and supported by many great people, and I would like to thank every individual for the time they have invested in me since 2004.
“I grew up supporting Ulster Rugby, have been fortunate to play and captain Ulster Rugby, and now look forward to supporting Ulster Rugby in the future with my family.”
Cunningham paid a warm tribute to Best.
“No player representing Ulster Rugby has had a more profound impact in the professional era than Rory," he said.
“When Rory enters the room, everyone waits for his words. On the training pitch, he demands high standards at all times.
"During a match, players turn to Rory for leadership and direction. He has been our all-encompassing talismanic figure for more than a decade.
“Rory’s ability to not only stay at the top, but also fight his way through adversity, shows the strength of character he possesses.
“The ever-present support of the Best family on the side-lines, in particular Jodie, Ben, Penny and Richie, encapsulates Rory as the ultimate family man.
"We know that they will continue to follow Ulster Rugby for many years to come.
“Rory will justifiably go down as one of the greatest legends of Ulster and Irish Rugby".
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