Brave Blossoms star Kotaro Matsushima said goodbye to supporters of French club side Clermont following Sunday's final round of the season.
The 29-year-old utility back is returning to Japan after two years in France, with plans to play for a League One side next season.
Clermont wrapped up its Top 14 campaign Sunday with a 20-15 win at home to Montpellier before holding a farewell ceremony for players departing the club.
Matsushima, still sidelined after dislocating his shoulder in April, smiled and waved as he received a warm sendoff from the home fans at Clermont-Ferrand's Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin.
"It's a nice way to finish," Matsushima said. "I feel I accomplished something."
The 2019 Rugby World Cup standout said he had made significant progress during his stint with Clermont, which finished the 2021-22 season in seventh place.
"I gained a lot of match experience and have become more mentally composed. I've gotten better at making quick decisions," he said.
Matsushima will not take part in Japan's upcoming internationals in June and July as he continues to rehabilitate his shoulder.
"I need to rest properly so I can recover both physically and mentally," he said.