Melbourne Rebels and former England fly half Danny Cipriani has left the Melbourne Super Rugby club with immediate effect.
The arrangement is understood to be my mutual agreement and brings an end to Cipriani's troubled time in Super Rugby with four months left on his contract.
The seven Test England fly half had already agreed to leave the Rebels at the end of the season to join Sale Sharks in Manchester England.
Cipriani is now free to join Sale for their pre-season preparations after the Rebels paid out his contract.
"Danny goes with our blessing and we thank him for his contribution to our club during his time here," said Rebels CEO Steve Boland.
"Essentially the time is right for both parties to part company, the decision is amicable and we wish him all the best for the future."
Head Coach Damien Hill knows Cipriani can play for England again having witnessed his playmaking abilities first hand since his arrival.
"When we signed Danny we were always aware of his ambitions to return to the English national team and we have always been supportive of helping him achieve his goals," said Hill.
"Danny believes that leaving now will give him the best chance to prepare for the long season ahead with Sale."
Cipriani had a troubled season in 2011 and although he has been out of the headlines for his off the pitch activities this season his form has not been as strong this season as it was in 2011.
Twenty-four-year-old Cipriani has been under pressure to hold down the fly-half spot for the Rebels since the arrival of Wallaby James O'Connor from Western Force.
The former Wasps playmaker was once regarded as the heir apparent to Jonny Wilkinson when, in his first Test start at No 10, he produced a commanding display in a 33-10 win over Ireland at Twickenham in 2008.
But his fledgling international career has been blighted by injuries and his attitude has also been called into question after several training ground spats.
While disappointed to be leaving the club mid-season, Cipriani says his desire to return to England and prepare for the next English rugby season was the overriding factor in his decision.
"I want to thank the club for being so understanding with my wishes and granting me a release to return to England," said Cipriani.
"I've made no secret of my desire to play for England again and I believe leaving now will give me the best opportunity to do that.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in Melbourne at the Rebels. I've made some lifelong friends, played in front of an incredible set of fans in an amazing stadium, and improved my game playing in one of the best provincial rugby competitions in the world.
"I feel I have developed my game in my time in Australia and become a more complete player. I wish the Rebels every success in the future and should the opportunity ever arise again I would not hesitate to return."
