Boks ace seals Clermont deal

South Africa captain John Smit has agreed a two-year deal with Clermont Auvergne.

South Africa captain John Smit has become the latest of the Tri-Nations players to line up a move to Europe after agreeing a two-year deal with ASM Clermont Auvergne.

The 29-year-old hooker, who has skippered the Springboks on a record 42 occasions, will team up with the French outfit - winners of the European Challenge Cup - after the World Cup.

However Smit, who has played for the Sharks in the Super 14s competition, insists he will still be available for the Boks.

He said: "I want to thank the Sharks and SA Rugby for the incredible way they have cared, managed and treated me.

"I now look forward to returning to my beloved South Africa with some new experiences. I am not retiring from international rugby and it will be an honour for me to play in any future match for my country."

Smit, who will miss the rest of the current Tri-Nations campaign with injury, made his international debut in 2000 and has been capped 67 times.