Stephen Nell

Durban – There are plenty rumours floating around that Western Province could lose Luke Watson and Jean de Villiers to overseas clubs.

Sport24 recently revealed that Irish team, Munster, were prepared to lure De Villiers with a substantial offer.

The Springbok inside centre has confirmed that he will make a decision about his future after the British and Irish Lions Test series.

However, informed sources have told Sport24 that it's certain De Villiers will join Munster in 2010. "Jean is gone," Sport24 were told.

Bok centre Jaque Fourie is also expected to leave South African shores to join French club Clermont at the end of the local season.

Watson, who will lead the WP in Saturday’s match against the British and Irish Lions at Newlands, is on the Bath shopping list.

Bath are looking for a replacement for English flank Michael Lipman who left the club earlier this month. Lipman together with Alex Crockett and Andrew Higgins quit after a probe into an alleged bar brawl.

Informed sources have told Sport24 that Watson has been identified as a possible replacement for Lipman.

Watson is likely to captain Western Province in the Currie Cup.

Watson, whose Springbok career has probably come to an end after Bok coach Peter de Villiers made it clear that he thought Pierre Spies and Ryan Kankowski are better No 8s.

Should De Villiers leave Western Province, Schalk Burger will in all likelihood lead the Stormers’ Super 14 campaign in 2010.

Burger and Watson have in the past competed for the same position and apparently don't like each other much. It is unlikely that either player would be keen to play under the other as captain.

In addition to Watson, Bath are apparently also interested in the services of the former WP lock Ross Skeate who is good friends with Watson.