Former Springbok Captain Jean de Villiers Signs For Leicester

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26:  Jean De Villiers of South Africa talks to referee Wayne Barnes during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Samoa at Villa Park on September 26, 2015 in Birmingham, United Kingdom.  (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers has joined Aviva Premiership side Leicester Tigers.

The former Munster centre was ruled out of the Rugby World Cup with a fractured jaw after their second game of the Pool Stage against Samoa and missed their gallant semi-final defeat to the All Blacks.

The 34-year-old will not be recovered until early December.

Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: “Jean brings invaluable experience to the squad. He is among the leading centres in the modern game and has played at the very highest level for a significant period of time.

“In recent seasons we’ve brought in players like Brad Thorn and Lote Tuqiri from successful environments in the southern hemisphere and they have made a significant contribution here. The signing of Jean de Villiers is another move in that style and we look forward to welcoming him and his family to the Tigers and to him starting work with us on December 1.”

Originally a wing, de Villiers made his Test debut in November 2002 before settling at centre with Western Province and the Stormers, playing in finals of both the Currie Cup and Super Rugby. He also had a spell at Munster in Ireland.

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