Former England flanker Courtney Rhodes will leave Northampton Saints at the end of this season and join French club Brive.
The 35-year-old made 274 appearances over 17 seasons at Franklin's Gardens.
Laws said Northampton had “done everything they could” to ensure he stayed, but the offer from second-tier side Bribe was “transformative” for him and his family.
Saints director of rugby Phil Dawson said it was “impossible” to sum up Rose's contribution to the club.
“Let me be clear: I really wanted to finish my career as a one-club man and Saints did everything in their power to make that happen. All of our conversations have been very positive. ,” Laws said.
“But first and foremost, I have to make sure that I and my family are in the best possible position for my retirement, which will occur in the next few years.
“This will probably be the last contract I sign and the offer I received to play abroad would be a big change for my family, so I couldn't turn it down and decided to accept this offer. “I have made the decision to leave the club,” said Northampton. ”
Rose said he was “very grateful” for everything Saints had given him and said the supporters had been “fantastic”.
“I've overcome everything at Saints and I hope my efforts on the pitch reflect my appreciation for the club,” he said.
“I am obviously very sad to be leaving, but ultimately I know that I leave Saints on really good terms with the players, coaches and staff on and off the pitch.”
Laws “still one of the best players''
Laws helped Saints win promotion from National 1 to the Premiership in their debut season in 2007, the European Challenge Cup in 2009, the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2010 and the European Champions a year later. won the cup.
He also won the Premiership title in 2014, the same year Saints won the Challenge Cup again.
“He's still one of the best, if not the best, number sixes in the world,” Dowson said.
“He has done it all in a Northampton shirt. His international experience is almost unparalleled and he has had a huge impact on our group in terms of confidence and leadership off the field.
“I'm sure he would have liked to have stayed here at Saints to finish his career, but sometimes an offer is too good to turn down and he's absolutely entitled to take it. He has a young family and he has a young family. , I'm sure this new adventure will be a great experience for them as well.
“It speaks volumes about Courtney's talent and mindset. I felt like I wasn't able to reach my full potential in a Saints uniform last season due to injuries, so I decided to stay on for another year and take advantage of my time at Northampton. I decided to end the project on my own terms. ”