The 28 year old South African 2008 Player of the Year featured in the opening Tests against the Lions recently and has signed for the coming season with terms for an option to extend for a further two seasons.

Since making his international debut (v France in Marseille, Nov 2002), de  Villiers has represented the Springboks 48 times scoring 17 tries. He has played over 50 matches for the Super 14 Stormers side (17 tries) whom he captained in 2008 and 2009, while he has scored 25 tries in 37 appearances with Currie Cup side Western Province.

Speaking about the latest signing Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald said, " It has been our stated intention to look for a top level international centre to strenghten our current squad. Jean de Villers has been a target of ours for some time now and we are delighted that he has agreed to join us.

The player himself said. " It has been a difficult decision for me to leave South African rugby after so many enjoyable seasons with Western Province, Stormers and the Springboks. I am particularly grateful to all of those involved who have supported me and helped further my rugby career.  I certainly wouldn't rule out a return to SA rugby sometime in the future.  I feel however, it would be good to experience a new challenge and I believe the time is right to do that now while I am at the top of my game. 

" Munster are one of the foremost teams in Europe and enjoy a massive supporter base. I look forward to experiencing the tradition, passion and ambition associated with Munster and to helping them achieve further success.

de Villiers will arrive in Munster in mid September at the conclusion of the Tri-Nations competition and, subject to acquiring a work permit and undergoing the standard medical assessment, be in line for a Magners League bow later in the month.