Gasnier held a media conference at the Dragons home base at St George Leagues Club to announce this would almost certainly be his last season in the NRL and he will take up a two year offer with Paris-based rugby side Stade Francais.

Gasnier blamed a shortfall in the third-party payments in his current contract for his decision to leave.

``I made the decision because it became very clear to me that the commitments that were made to me and that I agreed to in 2006 involving external parties was not going to eventuate,'' he said.

``Everyone knows that we have a relatively short time as athletes and therefore we need to ensure that we maximise our opportunities on and off the field.

``This definitely wasn't an easy decision to make,'' said Gasnier. ``I love the Dragons and the club has always been fantastic to me.''

The rugby deal means Gasnier will not play in the World Cup in Australia in October.

One of the biggest names in the NRL, Gasnier was named skipper of the Dragons earlier this year and becomes the second Dragons' captain in three years to leave the club to play in Europe.

Trent Barrett took up an offer to play for Wigan in the English Super League after the 2006 season, but in 2009 will return to the NRL to play with the Dragons' main rivals Cronulla.

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