Director of rugby Shaun McRae will leave Hull FC at the end of the season to return to Australia.
In a club statement released this morning, McRae said the time was right to return home to be with his family.
McRae, who coached Hull between 1999-2004 and helped rebuild the club after the Gateshead merger, was one of Adam Pearson's first appointments in 2011.
A popular choice as director of rugby, he oversaw the recruitment of head coach Peter Gentle and players including Gareth Ellis and Jacob Miller.
He said the decision to leave had been taken "with a heavy heart".
"It is a decision I have thought long and hard about and taken into account the feelings of my wife and my family, although I do leave with a very heavy heart," he said.
"Hull FC has and always will be a very special club for me.
"I can't think of a better time to leave the club on the back of a Challenge Cup Final at Wembley, which is a reward for everybody's hard work over the last couple of years. I know it is only the start of a special era for Hull FC and one that I am pleased to have been able to play a small part in."
McRae thanked Pearson and coach Peter Gentle for "their support and friendship" and saved a special mention for Hull's fans.
"We all know the fans of this club are second to none, it's one of the reasons that makes it so special," he said.
Pearson thanked McRae for his contribution to the club and to rugby league.
He said: "People will always remember Shaun McRae for his commitment to the club during both spells with Hull FC and as a man who helped steady the ship following the turbulent times of the merger with Gateshead.
"He has certainly been a popular figure with the supporters and the wider rugby league public and on behalf of the club, I must thank him for his contribution to Hull FC and the game.
"He leaves us with our best wishes and we pass on our regards to his family who will be welcoming him back in Australia very soon, which I know is something he is looking forward to."
McRae's departure at the end of this season had been expected, but fans said they would be sorry to see him go.Chris Young tweeted: "Gutted Shaun McRae is leaving the club. Done a fine job with the youth and does so much more behind the scenes then people realise."Dave Gatti said: "Thanks for everything Shaun McRae, now just bring us home the cup before you go back to Australia. Well done."
