Legendary Kiwi fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has played his last game of rugby league for the Warriors with the club granting him an immediate release from the remainder of his contract which expires at the end of 2021.

It will allow him to avoid the shut down of the Australia/New Zealand travel bubble and begin his rugby union code switch.

“Roger is going to rugby union with our blessing but if we require him to see out the rest of his contract he won’t be able to return home until at least the end of September and maybe a lot later. It would seriously impact on his ability to make his start in union and we wouldn’t want to see that happen,” Warriors CEO Cameron George said.

“We were so excited about the chance of Roger being farewelled at Mount Smart Stadium on August 15. It would have been so fitting.

“It’s disappointing for everyone that there can’t be a better end to a wonderful career but these are the times we’re living in. Our hands are tied.”

Tuivasa-Sheck made his NRL debut in 2012 for the Sydney Roosters, winning a title with the club the following year.