Brian O'Driscoll has become the latest tour-ending casualty for the British and Irish Lions in South Africa.
Ireland's Grand Slam captain will fly home on Wednesday, along with Wales prop Adam Jones, missing next Saturday's third Test at Ellis Park.
O'Driscoll, Lions skipper in New Zealand four years ago, was concussed during the agonising 28-25 second Test defeat in Pretoria three days ago.
His 2005 tour ended in the first minute of the opening Test after he was spear-tackled by All Blacks players Keven Mealamu and Tana Umaga.
The Leinster centre has been one of the Lions' stars of their 10-match South Africa trip, forging an outstanding midfield combination with Wales star Jamie Roberts.
But his absence means a possible call-up on Saturday for England centre Riki Flutey when the Lions will target a consolation victory after South Africa established an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
O'Driscoll said being a part of the squad was one of the highlights of his career.
"I have decided to return home to my family this week after a very long season and to ensure I give myself every opportunity to recuperate."
"We were unbeaten leading into the Test matches and it is a shame that the results in the Tests did not go our way but sport comes down to fine margins at times."
"We could easily have won the first two Tests but it wasn't to be."
Lions management have also announced that Adam Jones will fly home from the tour.
He dislocated his right shoulder last Saturday during the Second Test against South Africa.
Jones said, "It is always disappointing to be ruled out of a Test series through injury but I am proud of what the squad and I have achieved on the tour. "
© Press Association