SPRINGBOK LEGEND JEAN de Villiers is in discussions about joining the Leicester Tigers, a move which will be of great interest to Munster fans.
The former South African captain, who retired from test rugby after injury brought and end to his World Cup campaign had reportedly been in talks with Leicester before Director of Rugby Richard Cockerill said they had fallen through.
But speaking to BBC Radio Leicester today, Cockerill claimed that talks with de Villiers are still progressing, and have been ongoing for some time.
“We have had discussions with de Villiers for a few months, but at this moment no deal is signed,” he said.
“We have been speaking to lots of players and have spoken to de Villiers on a few occasions.
“There is always speculation with players, but until the ink is dry on the contract nothing is agreed.”
The 34-year-old has 96 Super Rugby caps for the Stormers since joining them in 2005, returning to the side after joining Munster for the 2009/10 season.
And with Leicester due to take on Munster in the Champions Cup in the December double header, it could pave the way for de Villiers to come up against his former side.
Leicester take on Munster in Thomond Park on December 12 before the return tie the following Sunday at Welford Road.
De Villiers had captained South Africa into the World Cup, but was forced to withdraw from the squad following the defeat of Samoa, after suffering a fractured jaw, eventually calling time on his 13-year test career.
