Former South African captain Jean de Villiers will finish his career with English rugby giants Leicester Tigers, the club announced.
The 34-year-old centre announced his retirement from international rugby after fracturing his jaw in the World Cup pool game with Samoa on September 26, bringing down the curtain on a 109-Test career.
"Jean brings invaluable experience to the squad," Tigers' director of rugby Richard Cockerill said.
"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."
De Villiers, whose World Cups were blighted by injury, the most frustrating being the one he suffered in 2007 which saw him miss their triumph in the final, joins another Springbok legend in Victor Matfield in signing for an English club in the twilight of his career.
Matfield, 38 and who is in line for his final Test appearance for the 'Boks in the third place play-off against Argentina on Friday, joined Northampton prior to the World Cup.
AFP
