Connacht senior coach Pete Wilkins says there are no ill-feelings towards Ultan Dillane, after the second row confirmed he would leave the province at the end of the season.
The second row, who won the last of his 19 Ireland caps in July of this year, announced he would be ending his 10-year association with the province this summer.
While not confirmed, it's believed the 28-year-old is set to link up with Ronan O'Gara at La Rochelle, with Dillane having been born in France, and spending the first few years of his life in Paris.
Dillane broke the news to his Connacht coaches and team-mates this morning ahead of the public announcement, and senior coach Pete Wilkins says his loss will be felt at the province.
"Ultie is first and foremost a brilliant human being who's so respected and well-liked amongst the group," Wilkins said.
"He’s been here a long time and has contributed an enormous amount. Everyone will be disappointed when the times comes to see him go, but equally really proud of what he’s achieved here and grateful for what he’s put into the place."
Dillane has played 122 times for Connacht since making his debut in 2014, coming through Connacht's academy system after being overlooked by Munster.
His breakthrough season came in 2015/16 when he established himself in Pat Lam's starting team, earning his first Ireland cap as well as winning a Pro12 title.
He has gradually become one of the leaders in the Connacht pack under Lam, Kieran Keane and most recently Andy Friend.
Wilkins is hopeful the Kerryman can pass down his experience to some of the province's younger locks before he departs at the end of the season.
"He’s a senior player, an international, he adds an immense value in terms of his abrasiveness and application in attack and defence," Wilkins added.
"Then you’ve got his growing knowledge around the setpiece, and off field his contributions like lineout callers’ meetings, and upskilling some of the locks we have coming through like Niall Murray and Oisin Dowling.
"He brings immense value to the place but at the same time we’re really respectful of the stage he’s got to in his career, and the opportunity that’s been offered to him. It’s terrific for him.
"I know it's been a difficult decision, but hearing him talk about the opportunity it’s too good to turn down. If someone has to leave, it’s the scenario you’d like.
"Ultie will be missed, and made a small announcement to the team this morning at the team meeting, and then it was straight back to business into a forwards unit session, a lineout callers’ meeting at lunchtime, and it’s back to business. It’s no-nonsense and he doesn’t want fanfare or long monologues. He wants to get on with the team and we’ll certainty make the most of that for his time here."
The province return to United Rugby Championship action this Sunday, taking on Ulster in Belfast on St Stephen's Day, eight weeks on from their big win against the northern province at the Aviva Stadium.
Mack Hansen remains a doubt, having missed the Heineken Champions Cup games against Stade Francais, but centre Tom Farrell could return for this weekend's Interpro.
"The next 48 hours will determine how close they get, but certainly Tom Farrell is tracking well, and could potentially have been an option for us last week.
"It's important we look after him after the period of time he’s had out. Tom will certainly be putting his hand up for selection, the other two (Mack Hansen and Jordan Duggan) we’ll see how they track over the next couple of days.
"There are injuries in the squad, but I don’t think as bad as we have been in previous seasons at this time of the year. We’ve got to be a bit adaptable in terms of how we manage the group and cover those positions in training, but we’re pretty happy where we are when we’re selecting a 23 each week," Wilkins added.
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