Yorkshire have agreed to release star batsman Jacques Rudolph from the final year of his contract.

Losing their most prized asset will be a major blow to the club, with Rudolph having scored 8,629 runs in all competitions since arriving at Headingley.

The signs were there that Rudolph would not be at the club beyond this month in early August when he refused to comment on his future plans after reports suggested he was ready for a return to international cricket.

Now that he has relinquished his Kolpak status, that is a path he can now explore.

A club statement read: “Whilst Jacques has thoroughly enjoyed his time with Yorkshire CCC, he and his wife Elna have found it difficult adjusting to life in England.

“And whilst his wife moved to Leeds in an attempt to find suitable employment as a doctor, this has not worked out as they both would have liked.

“They are both very keen to start a family and, with an unsettled lifestyle, felt it was impossible to put down roots and make plans for the future.

“As such, they formally requested to be released from the final year of Jacques’ contract and the board of directors have granted this wish.

“The club wishes Jacques every success in the future. He had become a hugely respected and popular member of the team. He and Elna will be missed by everyone involved with Yorkshire CCC.

“However, it was a unanimous board decision in support of his request to put his family first and return home to South Africa.”

Rudolph will captain his franchise, the Nashua Titans, this coming South African domestic season.