South Africa centre Jean de Villiers will quit Munster at the end of the season and return home in an attempt to win a place in his country’s squad for the 2011 World Cup.
De Villiers missed the 2003 World Cup through injury and played just 40 minutes in South Africa’s victorious 2007 campaign.
Only players based in South Africa will be considered for selection for the next World Cup in New Zealand.
De Villiers says “this is perhaps my last opportunity to represent my country at the rugby World Cup”.
The 28-year-old De Villiers only joined the Irish side this season and has scored five tries in 13 matches. — Sapa