South Africa great Jean de Villiers joins Leicester Tigers
Tuesday 27 October 2015 15:23, UK
Leicester Tigers have announced the signing of former South Africa captain Jean de Villiers.
Centre De Villiers is one of the most experienced players in international rugby, winning 109 caps for the Springboks before recently announcing his retirement.
He was captain of South Africa at the start of the Rugby World Cup but was ruled out for the rest of the tournament after suffering a fractured jaw against Samoa during the pool stage.
The club's 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."
