London Wasps lock Marco Wentzel has left the club in order to return home to South Africa.

The 34-year-old, who has made 51 appearances for Wasps over two seasons at the Aviva Premiership outfit, has claimed that it is the right time to return to South Africa for family reasons.

"It has not been easy to make this decision but I left South Africa nine years ago and I realise that is where I need to be now," Wentzel told the club's official website.

"It is tough to leave Wasps when things are looking so bright and I am grateful to [director of rugby] Dai Young for understanding my position. On the other hand, I am happy to be leaving when things are going well for the club and I think there is a very positive future with the squad that Dai is developing here."

Wentzel, who has earned two caps for the Springboks, started 18 of the Wasps' 22 Premiership fixtures last season.