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Bloemfontein – Springbok centre Jean de Villiers has said that it is too early to speculate about his future following reports in Irish circles that his move to Munster will only be a short-term one.
The Irish Independent this week likened the Boks’ involvement with Munster with that of Australian flank Rocky Elsom, who only played for Irish side Leinster for one season.
De Villiers says that his contract has been drawn up with an option to continue playing after a year.
However, with the World Cup coming up in 2011 and the selectors not keen to pick overseas-based players, the Irish may well be correct.
“I will only make a decision next year,” said De Villiers.
He added that he is enjoying it a lot at the Irish side and is not looking back for a minute.
De Villiers said that it is obviously a dream to play for the Boks again, but that he is only focusing on Munster for now.
He does not want to comment about the World Cup in 2011 and a possible return.
“I have learned not to plan that far ahead. My experiences of World Cups have not been that good,” he said.
In 2003, De Villiers was injured shortly before the tournament, while in 2007 he played in only one game before having to withdraw.
The 28-year-old will therefore be keen to play in a full tournament.
“I’m just concentrating on Munster for now and will see how things look next year,” he said.
While De Villiers was one of the Boks’ best backline players in their recent game against Ireland, the view has been expressed that his impact at Munster has not been big enough.
He only got game time in the 74th minute of Munster’s match against Perpignan in Limerick on Friday night. Munster won the game 24-23.
Bloemfontein – Springbok centre Jean de Villiers has said that it is too early to speculate about his future following reports in Irish circles that his move to Munster will only be a short-term one.
The Irish Independent this week likened the Boks’ involvement with Munster with that of Australian flank Rocky Elsom, who only played for Irish side Leinster for one season.
De Villiers says that his contract has been drawn up with an option to continue playing after a year.
However, with the World Cup coming up in 2011 and the selectors not keen to pick overseas-based players, the Irish may well be correct.
“I will only make a decision next year,” said De Villiers.
He added that he is enjoying it a lot at the Irish side and is not looking back for a minute.
De Villiers said that it is obviously a dream to play for the Boks again, but that he is only focusing on Munster for now.
He does not want to comment about the World Cup in 2011 and a possible return.
“I have learned not to plan that far ahead. My experiences of World Cups have not been that good,” he said.
In 2003, De Villiers was injured shortly before the tournament, while in 2007 he played in only one game before having to withdraw.
The 28-year-old will therefore be keen to play in a full tournament.
“I’m just concentrating on Munster for now and will see how things look next year,” he said.
While De Villiers was one of the Boks’ best backline players in their recent game against Ireland, the view has been expressed that his impact at Munster has not been big enough.
He only got game time in the 74th minute of Munster’s match against Perpignan in Limerick on Friday night. Munster won the game 24-23.
