JEAN DE VILLIERS is ready for action with Munster after his arrival from South Africa yesterday. The Springbok centre, 28, is looking for an early taste of Northern Hemisphere rugby and seems certain to appear in the Leinster versus Munster clash at the RDS on October 3rd, the key build-up game for both provinces prior to the start of the Heineken Cup campaign.

There are no injury worries surrounding Munster’s latest star signing and de Villiers admitted to feeling “fresh and well” despite having to endure long-haul flights from New Zealand to home and then on to Cork after South Africa’s Tri-Nations-clinching win over the All Blacks last week.

The timing of his move was perfect, he declared yesterday.

“It has been a great couple of years; this season was brilliant and I’m looking forward to this challenge in the Northern Hemisphere.

“That question has come up as to why I chose this club but I think Munster is a fantastic club; there is a lot of history; it’s a club that has enjoyed a lot of success with some really great players. It’s a big brand and is a team I look forward to being part of.

“I’m just looking to add something to that and hopefully make this season a success as well for the team.

“There are things I have to learn about Munster but what I do know is that they play fantastic rugby; and that is something I should enjoy, coming from the team I’m coming from in South Africa (Western Province).

“I can relate to a team that has a lot of history and to a team where it’s hugely important to want to play for the jersey. I’m also looking forward to playing alongside some of the players I came up against on the Lions tour this summer.”

De Villiers faces a medical examination and fitness test in Limerick – where he will be based – today, but Munster team manager Shaun Payne reckons that will not pose a problem.

His fellow South African said: “I think he proved his fitness last week (against New Zealand).”