NEC Harlequins centre Mel Deane has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season after agreeing a two-year deal with Magners League side Connacht.

The 32-year-old will join fellow Irishman Gavin Duffy at the Galway Sports Ground, after Duffy returned to his former club with immediate effect last week.

Former Ireland A international Deane, who has made 10 first-team appearances this season, couldn't resist the temptation to return home.

"Andy Friend had told me he wanted me around to cover for the likes of Stuart Abbott and Hal Luscombe in World Cup year, but I don't think I figured in Dean Richards' future plans," he said.

"I was stalling over Connacht's offer in the hope something would come from Quins, but they put the pressure on me to sign quickly and that was that.

"There is plenty of rugby left in me. Connacht are getting a lot of their old players back and hopefully we can give the league a good crack next year.

"Quins are a great club and I'll have some good memories to take with me, but it is time for a new challenge."

It means Deane will put on hold plans to open a bar in the Twickenham area, but he insists fans haven't seen the last of him.

"My father runs a pub in Boreham Wood so I'm sure I'll be back in London for the odd beer from time to time," he added.

Duffy's switch was confirmed last week and will see him team up with his new club in time for Connacht's clash with Leinster on March 23.

"I am sad to be leaving NEC Harlequins, as I have had a tremendous four years at the club and have enjoyed every moment of it," he said.

"However, I have been given the opportunity to return to Connacht and to play some first-team rugby. I felt it was too good an opportunity to miss out on."

The news brings to four the number of confirmed departures, with winger George Harder heading to French club Mont De Marsan and Andre Vos quitting rugby at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Quins have this week agreed to loan out four players to National Division One clubs for the rest of the season - Luke Sherrife to Nottingham and Lorne Ward, George Robson and Tosh Masson to London Welsh.