This leaves the Wallaby utility back free to return to Rugby League as soon as he wants to.

Rogers met with ARU Chief Executive Gary Flowers, ARU General Manager, Rugby Pat Wilson and Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie on Thursday morning to seek a release from his contract, which was due to expire at the end of 2007.

And afterwards the ARU and NSWRU issue a joint statement saying that Rogers had been released with immediate effect.

But that doesn't mean Rogers would join up with the Gold Coast Titans Rugby League club immediately. In a statement issued on Wednesday the Titans, who will make their National Rugby League (NRL) debut in 2007, said they will give Rogers time to resolve his "personal and family issues" before entering into any negotiations with the player.

And Rogers himself made it clear his decision to quit Rugby Union wasn't a "Rugby versus league decision", but was more about personal issues.

The ARU were very complimentary in their comments on Rogers.

"Mat Rogers has been granted a release from his playing contract effective immediately," ARU Managing Director and CEO, Gary Flowers said.

"Mat has advised us that his decision to leave the game was based on his current personal situation and that he would not be able to give his full energy and commitment to playing for the Wallabies next season."

Flowers said that Rogers had left his mark on the game after joining the ARU in 2002.

"Mat has played 45 Tests for the Wallabies, which is a fine achievement and no-one can take that away from him.

"Mat has endured a tough twelve months and we extend our sympathy to him and his family and wish them all the best for the future."

Flowers said that the ARU would not accommodate players who could not give their full commitment to the Wallabies.

"We acknowledge that Mat's decision is based on extraordinary extenuating circumstances but we are by no means interested in selected players who are not passionate about wearing the gold jersey," said Flowers.

Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie echoed Flowers' comments.

"A player's wellbeing and family must always come before football, full stop.

"Mat Rogers is a player involved in unique circumstances and we are comfortable that no precedent has been set.

"I've been in the game a long time and I've never come across a situation like Mat's. He has had a tough run and we have always been sympathetic to his plight."

"Like Mat said, we are parting on good terms and we wish him and his family the best in his future.

In his five years of rugby, Rogers compiled 163 points in 45 Tests for the Wallabies, including 14 tries. He played 40 matches for the Waratahs, scoring 202 points.

Rogers also issued a statement in which he made it clear his decision is based on personal reasons.

"First and foremost, this isn't a Rugby versus league decision; it's about my family, my life, my future," Rogers said in the statement.

"I have important personal reasons for requesting a release from the Waratahs and Wallabies and although most of my life has been played out in the media I do ask for the next period of time that you respect my family's privacy.

"Playing for NSW and Australia was always a dream of mine. And to have achieved that made me immensely proud.

"Wearing the Wallaby jersey 45 times is something that I'll cherish always.

"Make no mistake, this is a sad day for me. I'm walking away from a lot of friends that' I've made over the past five years but they certainly won't be forgotten.

"Rugby has given me some of the best times of my life but now I need to take a new direction.

"Many will speculate about those reasons and I can't control that, but know, that I value the jersey too much to play in it and not be 100 percent committed.

"It would serve as an injustice to my teammates, coaching staff and more importantly the people who themselves have dreamt of playing at this level and never had the chance.

"I'd like to thank the ARU and NSW Rugby Union for the understanding they have shown throughout this time and in particular Ewen and Doctor Sharron Flahive who helped me through the most difficult time in my life.

"Without them this day would have come ten months ago. Their understanding and guidance eased a great burden and kept me optimistic about the future.

"I believe I'm leaving on good terms and I'll certainly be back to watch the boys play at every opportunity."