Western Province and Springbok centre Jean de Villiers may well have sparked a post-British and Irish Lions series player exodus, after he agreed terms with Irish giants Munster.

De Villiers' signing comes in the wake of a number of senior Springboks recently showing interest in foreign clubs and many European clubs have also publicly shown interest in some of South Africa's top players.

Springbok utility back Frans Steyn has already signed for French club Racing Metro while Clermont revealed their intentions of luring Jaque Fourie to France.

Bok wing Bryan Habana is also currently weighing up his options, with European newspapers suggesting that French Top 14 outfit Bayonne is leading the chase for his signature.

De Villiers is expected to arrive at Munster in mid-September following his commitments in the Tri-Nations and Currie Cup competitions.

In statement released on Tuesday, Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald confirmed that the South African Rugby Union are aware that the De Villiers intends to further his career outside of South Africa and it now only remains for his provincial side to agree to De Villiers' request for an early release from his contract which is due to expire on October 31.

As per the signed agreement with the 2008 SA Player of the year, he is expected to arrive in Munster ahead of European Rugby Cup registration on September 17.

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