A veteran of 31 Tests and two Rugby World Cup campaigns, the long-serving halfback's decision to join the undisclosed European club will have major implications for Australia's 2007 World Cup plans. It could increase the chances of veteran Wallabies captain and halfback George Gregan being retained, after widespread speculation last year that he had played his last Test.
Whitaker, 31, has played 104 matches for NSW and will become the Waratahs' most capped player if he plays all Super 14 matches this year.
He will leave before the end of his current Australian Rugby Union (ARU) contract with the governing body's blessing.
ARU chief executive Gary Flowers confirmed Whitaker would be eligible for an early release because of his outstanding track record for both the Waratahs and the Wallabies.
While he remains eligible to play for Australia, the new Wallabies coach is unlikely to look to use a player who won't be in the country ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
Whitaker said the decision to leave NSW was one of the hardest he had faced.
"It's extremely tough to say goodbye to this place," he said.
The Waratahs have been my team for a decade but I was determined to leave on my terms and not stay too long.It's also a family decision." NSW coach Ewen McKenzie praised Whitaker for his honesty and toughness.
"We've always said we'd support whatever decision Chris made and he's decided to go out on top and that takes courage," he said.
"I'm sure it will be an emotional year for Chris and his supporters as he plays for them one last time."
Whitaker said he has always wanted to play overseas at some stage of his career.
"I almost went to Europe after my first season with NSW and with English parents I guess it made sense, but I regret nothing about the path that I've taken," he said.
AAP
