Worcester Warriors have this morning confirmed that legendary Australian full-back Chris Latham will leave the club at the end of the season.

As revealed this morning's Worcester News, Latham will return home in the summer.

Latham joined the Sixways club in 2008 on a two-year deal and has excelled in the Guinness Premiership and European competition, making 34 appearances for Warriors and scoring 42 points.

The 34-year-old, the second highest try scorer in Wallaby history, will not be taking up the third year option on his contract and is expected to return to Australia with his family.

Director of rugby Mike Ruddock praised the outstanding contribution of Latham at Warriors when revealing the player's departure following intense recent speculation over his future.

"Chris Latham has decided not to take up the third year option on his contract at Worcester Warriors due to the fact that his family would like to return to Australia. We wish them every success and happiness back in their homeland," he said.

"We would like to place on record our thanks to Chris for his magnificent service to the Warriors during the last two seasons.

"He has always had a fantastic relationship with the supporters and that has been highlighted be the fact that he made a special request to us that he let the fans know first, via our official website, about the his future before this statement.

"Chris has been inspirational and his work ethic has been truly remarkable. Having had the opportunity to work with him first hand, I can see why he was by far the best full back in the world for so many years.

"His dedication to the job and his commitment on the field has been inspirational for all at the club to witness. We wish Chris every happiness in his new challenge."

Latham said: "After much consideration we feel, as a family, that this is the right time to return home to Australia, with my daughter starting high school and my son soon to start school.

"I would like to thank Mike Ruddock and Cecil Duckworth for giving me the opportunity to come to Worcester and to Pat Sanderson and my team-mates for making me feel so welcome. It has been a very enjoyable time in my career.

"I also need to make a special thank you to all the supporters. Their dedication to supporting the team has been absolutely magnificent. That is something I will take away from here as a memory of my time with Warriors.

"I am now fully committed to the rest of the season and looking forward to making sure Warriors fulfil their goals and make the top six in the Guinness Premiership. On a personal level, I'm looking to continuing to play consistent rugby and a big role for the club."