France and Sale Sharks prop Lionel Faure will be returning to his homeland this summer to join ASM Clermont Auvergne.
The 31-year-old international has signed a two year deal with the Top 14 side which will see him wear the yellow of Clermont until at least 2011.
Faure, who faced his new club this seasons Round 1 Heineken Cup clash, joined Sale in 2005 from Pau.
Sale Sharks, Chief Executive James Jennings thanked the player for his contribution to the Sharks saying: "Lionel wishes to return to France for personal reasons, which we fully understand. During his time at Sale Sharks Lionel has made a tremendous contribution and he will be missed by players and fans alike. We wish him well on his return to French rugby and thank him for his contribution over the past four years."
