Gloucester's Ross Byrne is set to be given a Top 14 lifeline, with the Irishman set to depart Kingsholm after just one disastrous season.
The former Leinsterman, who has 22 caps for Ireland, only joined Gloucester from the Dublin based side last summer, but now looks set to depart the Gallagher Prem side.
Despite significant experience at the top level of the game, Byrne has been out of favour for Gloucester for much of the season, having lost his place to 24 year-old English fly half Charlie Atkinson.
The 31 year-old had been an exciting pick up for Gloucester, who are currently facing a battle to qualify for next season's European Rugby Champions Cup, but he has now been informed that he can explore opportunities elsewhere.
Both the player and club will be eager to end their time together, with the Irishman reportedly on a lucrative three-year deal worth around £370,000 a year.
Speaking on Byrne's time at the club, Gloucester director of rugby George Skivington said: “Being frank, it’s not gone the way we saw it going initially."
“But I think you caveat that, with Charlie, is in a way better position than we could have anticipated. Ross is still here, training and being positive. There’s no sort of drama around that" he continued.
With the pedigree Byrne has possessed throughout his career, it is no surprise that there will have been interested in him, and he now seems to have found his new club.
While there were reportedly a number of clubs on the continent and in the UK interested in his signature, Top 14 outfit Perpignan appear to be the front runners to seal the signing of the former Ireland international.
A five-time URC winner - and a member of the Irish Grand Slam winning squad in 2023 - Byrne will undoubtedly put his Gloucester nightmare behind him, as he looks to rebuild his career.
