De Villiers surgery successful

Cape Town - Jean de Villiers successfully completed the first step on his return to playing rugby when he underwent surgery on his broken jaw in Cape Town on Wednesday according to a press release issued by SA Rugby.

The Springbok captain was forced out of the Rugby World Cup following an impact to his jaw in the match against Samoa on Saturday. The 109-Test centre plans to continue playing, although he announced his international retirement following his exit.

"Jean had surgery in Cape Town this morning and the operation went well,” said Springbok team doctor, Craig Roberts. “The fractured jaw was plated and his wisdom teeth were removed."

De Villiers is currently recuperating at home and a decision on returning to England to support the Springbok team will be made in due course.