Springbok captain John Smit confirmed on Wednesday that he is to join French club Clermont-Ferrand following the Rugby World Cup.
A statement from the South African Rugby Union (Saru) said that Smit had signed a two-year contract from 2008 to June 2009.
Smit (29) has led the Springboks a record 42 times in his 67 caps and will lead South Africa at the Rugby World Cup.
”I want to thank the Sharks and SA Rugby for the incredible way they have cared, managed and treated me,” Smit said in the statement.
”I now look forward to returning to my beloved South Africa with some new experiences. I am not retiring from international rugby and it will be an honour for me to play in any future match for my country.”
He made his Test debut in 2000, assuming the captaincy in 2004 when he led the team to the Tri-Nations title. — Reuters