Rabbitohs winger Richie Kennar has been released from the final year of his playing contract to serve a two-year Mormon mission, starting in 2019.

Kennar, 23, will finish this season with the Rabbitohs however he has been released from his 2019 contract to follow his faith.

Kennar played six games for the Rabbitohs this year, scoring five tries.

Rabbitohs Head Coach Anthony Seibold said: "I've known Richie since he was 18 and he is a great person on and off the field.

"He did a great job for us this year throughout the pre-season and in the games he played.

"This indicates how committed he is to his faith and obviously his faith is very important to him.

"We all wish him and his family the very best for the future and we look forward to finishing this season off with him here at South Sydney."