SA captain Smit confirms transfer

Smit made his Test debut in 2000 and took the captaincy in 2004

South Africa captain John Smit has confirmed he will join French Top 14 club Clermont Auvergne after the Rugby World Cup on a two-year deal.

The 29-year-old has led the Springboks a record 42 times in his 67 caps.

"I want to thank the Sharks (his province) and SA Rugby for the incredible way they have cared, managed and treated me," the hooker said.

"I am not retiring from international rugby. It will be an honour to play in any future match for my country."

Smith will be joined at Clermont by fellow South African Maruis Joubert.

Joubert, a 27-year-old centre, has South Africa 30 caps and joins from the Free State Cheetahs.

The Top 14 is France's top division and is the equivalent of the Guinness Premiership in England.