Aviva Premiership
Leicester Tigers confirm signing of World Cup winner Jean de Villiers
ESPN Staff
October 27, 2015
Jean De Villiers of South Africa is challenged by Tusi Pisi
Jean De Villiers of South Africa is challenged by Tusi Pisi© Michael Steele/Getty Images

Leicester Tigers have confirmed the signing of former South Africa captain Jean de Villiers.

De Villiers, who led the Springboks into their 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign before injury forced his retirement, has won 109 Test caps and was part of the 2007 World Cup-winning squad.

Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill is hopeful the centre's pedigree can help the club's hunt for silverware once he arrives in Leicester on December 1.

"Jean brings invaluable experience to the squad," 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 Dec. 1."

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