Jean de Villiers: Leicester Tigers talk to ex-South Africa captain

Jean de Villiers played 109 times for his country

Leicester have re-opened negotiations with former South Africa captain Jean de Villiers.

Director of rugby Richard Cockerill said last month that Tigers had to "move on" from a deal to sign the 34-year-old centre after initial talks.

But Cockerill told BBC Radio Leicester on Wednesday: "We have had discussions with de Villiers for a few months, but at this moment no deal is signed."

Meanwhile Tigers have signed Tonga's 24-year-old wing Telusa Veainu.

He played for Tonga at the World Cup, scoring two tries in the win over Namibia, and has joined on a deal until the end of the season.

Telusa Veainu scored two tries in Tonga's World Cup win over Namibia

Cockerill said: "We have a new winger who has just arrived. We have been speaking to lots of players and have spoken to de Villiers on a few occasions.

"There is always speculation with players, but until the ink is dry on the contract nothing is agreed."

Tigers have previously said they are keen to bring in a marquee signing at inside centre, but thought they had missed out on de Villiers, who opted to stay in his homeland.

But he retired from international rugby in September after injuring his jaw during the World Cup win over Samoa.