Harlequins Rugby League were this week hit by a double whammy thanks to new RFL rules about foreign players.
Frenchman Julien Rinaldi and Australian Mark McLinden will both leave the club at the end of the season as it strives to cut down its overseas quota.
The RFL has clamped down on overseas players in Super League, and French international Rinaldi will be classed as a quota player under new rules.
And Quins boss Brian McDermott angrily insisted he would have kept Rinaldi if not for the new rules.
He said: "It is a fact that I wouldn't be releasing Julien if it wasn't for the quota system, and the same goes for Mark McLinden.
"It is a cold way to do it, but you have to look at the balance of the team, and we simply have to recruit in other areas.
"We are losing not only a very good player, but also a top personality. Julien is very well liked within the squad and it will be a real shame to see him go."
Rinaldi himself reckons the new rules will be a real blow for any French players trying to make it in Super League.
He said: "I understand the reasoning behind the new rule, but I think it's a real shame that French players are now classed as quota players anywhere outside of the Catalans club in Super League.
"Catalans being part of the competition has been a real boost to the sport in France, but if a French player doesn't have a contract with Catalans it will now be much more difficult for them now to play Super League.
"I am disappointed that I won't be staying on with Harlequins. I have really enjoyed being part of the club.
"I am looking at all my options at the moment and I am hoping to secure my future in the coming weeks."
McLinden, meanwhile, revealed he probably would have returned to Australia anyway - as his mother is missing him.
He said: "I have been in London now for four years and feel it is about time I returned home.
"My mum has been trying to get me back home ever since I left, and you can only say no to your mum for so long."
McDermott admitted he would have liked to have kept McLinden, who has been with the club since its London Broncos days, too.
He added: "While planning for next year with players, Marty has expressed a desire to return home and continue his career in Australia.
"After looking at what the quota restrictions are for next year, it became a decision that was amicable for both Marty and the team.
"I certainly don't want to be losing one of my best players, but the quota system means that difficult decisions have to be
taken at the right time."
Quins led St Helens 16-6 at half-time in Sunday's clash, but went on to lose 32-16, despite tries from Rinaldi, Scott Hill and Rob Purdham.
They travel to Hull FC tomorrow night for their penultimate Super League game of the season.
