Munster announced today that Jean de Villiers will return to South Africa at the end of the current season.

The decision to return home was determined by his desire to make himself available for selection for the South African 2011 World Cup squad, a situation Munster were aware of when they initially contracted de Villiers. De Villiers, who is currently abroad with the Munster squad on a warm-weather camp said, “My decision to return to South Africa is solely determined by a desire to put myself in contention for the Sprinboks RWC 2011 squad.

“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.

” I’m thoroughly enjoying my time here in Munster and I think it would be fair to say that had the RWC not been a factor, then I would be remaining for at least the next 2 seasons. I would not rule out returning here after RWC 2011 either, if the opportunity arose.

“For now though,” he continued,” my entire focus is on the Magners League and Heineken Cup campaigns. There’s a lot of rugby to be played yet in the red shirt and I’m looking forward immensely to continuing my involvment with a great squad.”

Munster Chief Executive Garrett Fitzgerald in announcing the news said, “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.

393 Responses to Jean De Villiers to return to SA

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  • 1

    The Sharks need experienced, quality backline players.

  • 2

    Get the Cheque Book out Sharks.

  • 3

    If you think that Jean will miss the opportunity to link up with Jacque Fourie and instead play with those apes in Durban…you have another thing coming….

  • 4

    Brian van Zyl already sent Jacque Fourie on his way in favour of recently retired…what’s his name again?

  • 5

    Saint: huh?

  • 6

    Hehehe pressed the button twice…who knew?

  • 7

    I deleted it for you.
    What is the story about?

  • 9

    Brian Van Zyl and Jacque Fourie

  • 10

    If you are talking about Brian van Zyl and Jacque Fourie…

    Jacque approached the Sharks for a position during the Tri-Nations in 2009. Van Zyl was allegedly unsure about stipulations in his contract and because of Juan Martin Hernandez’s cost, decided to pass up the opportunity.

  • 11

    Fourie is not the most loyal of persons, the Stormers were 3rd in line after the Bulls and Sharks…even though at the time I found it strange to go to the Sharks with Jacobs there. Maybe he thought that would be the new Bok combination.

  • 12

    Interesting, thanks.

  • 13

    3 – Saint, it is only joke. JdV will always go back to WP/Stormers and link up with JF. Should never have left would have been great to see those two playing together for a whole season.

  • 14

    PDV does seem to favour Adi over every other centre in the country.

  • 15

    4 – Sharks missed something there that is for sure.

  • 16

    Puma, I am not so sure……JDV will be very expensive and De Jongh is a very good player.

  • 17

    Whatever the case, the Sharks need to do something about their backline.

  • 18

    Puma

    Strangely enough, I don’t think it is that far-fetched…what with the investment in Fourie and Habana…I wonder what the cashflow in the Cape is like at the moment?

    Loosehead

    It is a bit of misplaced loyalty…but De Villiers does not like losing…if Jacobs pulls down the team, De Villiers is quick to buckle under pressure. Look at the year-end tour…he was adament that he had the team, but when pushed came to shove, he flew in all the players that should have been there from the start.

  • 19

    Saint: To quote PDV it is money that buys the whiskey! I think that he very quickly learnt that the romantic version of the game with 9 POC’s dominating all that come before them would just not work.
    To buy the whiskey [and keep your job] you need to win.

  • 20

    18 – Saint, JdV first choice I think would be to go back to WP. Not sure about WP cash flow, then they did buy two of the best in JF and Habs. Habs must have cost a bomb I think. So who knows they must have a load to have bought those two players. JF would not have come cheap either whould have cost a bit to get him too.

  • 21

    puma @ 20
    it can only be good for wprugby and sarugby in particular if the combo of jdv and jfourie can play together at provincial and int level

  • 22

    3 mil a season for Habs is what I’ve heard.

    Contracted for 2 seasons.

    Also Bismark and Jannie approached the Bulls at the end of 2009. They wanted to much money ,and the Bulls decided to go with G.Botha who said he wanted to play for the Bulls no matter what they pay him – loyalty.

  • 23

    We dont want Jean…we’ve got Meisiekind !!!!

    Bulls can pull out the cheque book for Mapoe though 😀

  • 24

    môre blouste maandag op ñ dinsdag!
    en hoe gaan dit met u?

  • 25

    Yebo yes Ash

    Goed en jy my mater…

  • 26

    Mmmmmmm, another returning Bok, who grazed on the seemingly greener grass otherside of the fence… or is it ocean…

    Jean must be careful, De Jongh and Mossie might just develop into the top center combination, one which you would not want to disturb at all… oh and not forgetting Meisiekind, who consistently outshines Jean anyway…. So, is jean’s Springbok Colours still safe, I’d be worried if I was him!

    Tjarks, Cheetahs and Lions could all do with a quality No 12…

    Then there’s something that I’ve been wondering about…. have you ever thought what the combination of Wynand Olivier and Jean at outside centre could be capable of… or for that matter Jean at No 12 and Wynand at No 13…..

    Bulls are short of a proper No 13 anyway…. just a thought!

  • 27

    Hoe lykie dinge daar in die weste vannie Kaap ?

  • 28

    Word here in town is that Jean will be joining the Blue Bulls….

    Btw, morning all RT’s.

  • 29

    28@ Pietman – Helloooooooooooooooooooooooo

  • 30

    blouste @ 25
    nee goed man
    geen klagtes hier nie …. behalwe miskien die krieket ballerinas!!

    pietman @ 28
    noooooooooooooooooooooo

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