The All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore won't be with the Highlanders next season, with the Dunedin-based Super rugby franchise not offering the 79-test veteran a contract for 2014.
Hore, who's 35, played 29 games for the Highlanders over the past two seasons and captained them on 13 occasions.
The Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph says Hore's made an enormous contribution to New Zealand rugby and the fact he's still playing at the top level at 35 is a testament to his durability and skill.
However Joseph says the time is right for the Highlanders to look to the future in regards to its hookers with Liam Coltman and Brayden Mitchell having been with the squad for the past few years.
The Highlanders will name their squad for 2014 in November with several players from this year including Ma'a Nonu, Tamati Ellison, Hosea Gear, Jamie Mackintosh and Colin Slade either unwanted, heading overseas or having moved franchises.