Springbok star Jean de Villiers could be playing his club rugby in Europe next season after this summer’s series against the Lions.
The Stormers skipper, rated among the world’s leading centres, has been linked with a move to France or to reigning Heineken Cup champions Munster for the 2009/10 campaign.
De Villiers has made it clear, however, that any thoughts of a possible career overseas will be put on hold until after the final Test against the Lions in Johannesburg on July 4.
"My contract expires at the end of the year," the 28-year-old, who currently has 46 South African caps to his name, told Die Burger.
"I have always had an open mind about playing overseas at some stage. I will do that at some point in the future.
"At this stage, my focus is to recover from my groin injury and to be ready for the series against the Lions. I will make a decision about my future after that."
That groin injury could potentially rule de Villiers out of the opening Test against the Lions in Durban on June 20.
De Villiers is unlikely to be able play again until June 13 when Western Province face Ian McGeechan’s tourists just a week out from the first international of the three-match series.
