The 33-year-old has confirmed his first National Provincial Championship campaign for Otago since returning from overseas will be his last.

Leslie played 32 Tests for Scotland, three as captain, and notched up 124 games for Otago, who he led to the NPC title in 1998.

To finish back up in Otago has been great. But in rugby terms, it is time for me to move on, the New Zealander told the Otago Daily Times.

It is hard to explain. But the time just feels right and I am excited about future opportunities in business and rugby.

Returning to Otago was always a romantic notion of mine, I guess. I always wanted to come back and live in Dunedin and enjoy what it has to offer.

Leslie will still be involved in rugby in Otago as he plans to start coaching at under-21 level initially.

I really want to play a major role in Otago rugby in the future, he said.

I want Otago rugby to be going well and I think the best thing I can do to play a part in that is learn to be a good coach.