Gloucester Rugby have announced that captain Jim Hamilton will leave the club at the end of the season for "an opportunity of a lifetime" in France.

The 30-year-old, who had a year left on his contract with the Aviva Premiership outfit, has insisted that it has been an "honour" to represent the club at the Kingsholm Stadium.

"The time I've spent at Gloucester has been the best of my career," Hamilton told the club's official website. "It's been an honour and a privilege to wear the Cherry and White shirt, to represent the city and the supporters and, of course, to captain the side.

"However, the offer from France is simply the opportunity of a lifetime and one that I just couldn't ignore. It's a great move for myself and for my family. I hope that everyone will understand that.

"When the time comes, I will leave Gloucester with a heavy heart. I have made friends for life here, it's been a special place to play my rugby and I wouldn't have left to join another English club side."

Gloucester director Nigel Davies added: "It's a fact of life in the modern game that the French sides currently have much bigger playing budgets than their English counterparts.

"Jim is a fine player, an experienced international and has been a big part of what we've achieved so far this season at Gloucester Rugby. However, the offer is significant, and it would be wrong of us to try and stand in Jim's way. It's a massive opportunity for him. We don't want to lose him and he's aware of that.

"I must stress to the Gloucester supporters that this does not signify a lack of ambition on the part of the club. We will, of course, be seeking a suitable replacement for Jim."

Hamilton moved to the club from Edinburgh in 2010.