Cape Town - Springbok and Cheetahs flank Juan Smith looks likely to make his return to the rugby field in France next year.

The 31-year-old has missed most of the last two seasons due to an Achilles injury and many feared his rugby career was over.

However, according to Volksblad, the Bok ace will return to the playing field but most likely in France, unless he gets a huge offer from a South African team.

French Top 14 club Bayonne is apparently the favourite to pen a deal with the 69-Test veteran.

Smith says he's eager to return to the playing field after a frustrating rehabilitation period which included several operations. "I'm ready to play again, but with the Currie Cup nearing its end, I don't want to put pressure on myself."

He hasn't played since he got injured playing Super Rugby for the Cheetahs against the Bulls in February 2011, while his last Test for the Springboks was against England at Twickenham in November 2010.