Ex-All Black Kelleher quits Stade Francais

Former All Blacks halfback Byron Kelleher confirmed on Thursday that he has quit French Top 14 rugby side Stade Francais.

The 35-year-old, who earned 57 caps playing for the All Blacks between 1999 and 2007, arrived in Paris last year after four seasons with league rivals Toulouse, with his contract due to expire in 2013.

"I've been liberated from my contract with the Stade Francais," Kelleher, who played 12 top flight games for Stade, said on his website.

"I will now focus on my next season. I want to send all my best wishes to the guys. I sincerely hope they will have a great end of season, and that they will have other excellent ones. This is a great group that deserves to earn titles."

He did not reveal plans for his future, but added: "I am a player, and I will still be a player for sure next season. Then, I will work on many projects."

Mid-table Stade Francais travel to title-chasing Clermont on Saturday.