Springboks land in Europe

Double Heineken Cup champions Munster have confirmed that the Western Province centre and World Cup winner Jean de Villiers will arrive in Ireland this Thursday and should join up with his new teammates subject to the regulatory medical and fitness examinations.

Looking forward to the new arrival Tony McGahan said, "Jean is recognised as one of the top mid field rugby players in world rugby and I'm looking forward to having him in our squad. He brings a wealth of experience and a skill level that will benefit Munster on and off the field."

De Villiers' South African teammate François Steyn will also start his European adventure this week when he joins-up in Paris with Racing-Metro 92 at the end of the week. The utility back looks set to become one of the major international stars who could make an impact on the European Challenge Cup this season alongside the likes of Danny Cipriani (Wasps) and Jonny Wilkinson (Toulon).

Munster will start their Pool 1 Heineken Cup campaign away to fellow former Heineken Cup winners Northampton Saints on Saturday, 10 October at 6.00 at Franklin's Garden in a repeat of the 2000 final.

While in France Racing Metro 92 will play their first European Challenge Cup game in the club's history travelling to former winners London Wasps at Adams Park on Sunday, 11 October at 3.00.