Rugby:Munster centre Jean de Villiers will return to his native South Africa at the end of this season as he bids to secure a place in the Springboks' 2011 World Cup plans.
Having struggled initially with the province (he found himself out-of-favour for the for the back-to-back Heineken Cup meetings with Perpignan before Christmas) de Villiers has started to show Munster fans why Tony McGahan recruited him.
There had been hopes that de Villiers would extend his stay at the club but, after a series of injuries wrecked both his 2003 and 2007 World Cups, the Springbok wants one last shot at rugby’s greatest prize.
"I feel this is perhaps my last opportunity to represents my country at the Rugby World Cup and after consultation with SARU it has become clear that to qualify for selection players must be playing their rugby in South Africa in the season leading up to the competition,” he said today.
"I'm thoroughly enjoying my time here in Munster and I think it would be fair to say that had the World Cup not been a factor, then I would be remaining for at least the next two seasons. I would not rule out returning here after 2011 World Cup either, if the opportunity arose.”
Munster chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald added: "Jean missed the 2003 World Cup through injury and played just 40 minutes in 2007. So his desire to represent his country in the most prestigious rugby competition is totally understandable.
"Jean made us aware of this scenario before he joined us last September. He has been a hugely positive addition to the squad this season. His influence has grown and continues to grow as he becomes more and more comfortable within the squad.
"While he will be a major loss, we fully respect his ambition and he will leave us at the end of the season with our very best wishes.”