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De Villiers confirms that John Smit will remain 'Bok captain

Springbok captain John Smit smiles before Clermont-Ferrand's rugby match against Montpellier in Clermont-Ferrand, France, on Nov. 3 last year. PHOTO: AFP

John Smit will continue to captain World Cup champion South Africa this year, and new coach Peter de Villiers hopes to bring Smit back home to play his rugby.

Smit was confirmed as skipper for the year by de Villiers on Wednesday after meeting with the hooker in South Africa and at his French club Clermont.

"I was very impressed with John and have enormous respect for what he has achieved with the Springboks in the last four years," de Villiers told the South African Press Association (SAPA).

"He is the World Cup-winning captain. He has global respect and he has the desire to add to what was achieved in France last year.

"This is a new chapter for Springbok rugby, but I believe we must build on the success of the World Cup and it made sense to me to further invest in John's excellent leadership and his ability as a player," de Villiers said.

Smit has been Springboks captain for a record 49 of his 75 Tests since 2000. The 29-year-old's international career was considered finished after Jake White stepped down as coach and Smit left the Sharks to play at Clermont on a contract lasting to June next year.

"When we met in Cape Town I was encouraged by the coach's desire for success and his passion for South African rugby," Smit told SAPA. "To be offered the chance to continue with the Springboks is a challenge I would never refuse. I feel honored to be given further opportunities to lead the Springboks."

De Villiers also hopes to attract Smit to return home to play, along with other overseas-based Springboks he visited in Europe recently. De Villiers said it was up to the South African Rugby Union to negotiate deals with the European clubs.

"We must do what is best for Springbok rugby and my intention is to ensure the best available squad is selected," de Villiers said. "I will explore all avenues for this to happen."

South Africa's first Test of the year is against Wales on June 7 at Bloemfontein.
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