Newport Gwent Dragons star Percy Montgomery is to resume his international career for South Africa -- but his return will have to be delayed.
Montgomery has agreed to return for the Springboks after initially expressing doubts when the South African Rugby Union relaxed the rule forbidding players who had left the country playing again.
Now they are allowing two to return and have selected Montgomery, after rave reports about his Dragons form, and Jacob van der Westhuyzen, who joined Leicester before going to Japan.
But Monty, a Rodney Parade hero at the end of his second season, broke a bone in his hand in Friday night's finale against Leinster at Lansdowne Road and was unable to play in the second half.
The injury is likely to keep him out for three or four weeks and he is already doubtful for the first Test against Ireland on June 12.
He is set to play in the second Test and, ironically, against Wales on June 26 before the Try Nations series against New Zealand and Australia, as well as the autumn series in November.
He will be back late for pre-season Dragons training, not resuming until mid-August, and it is a daunting schedule, but Montgomery said, "It's still nice to play for your country. I've got the chance to go back and help out, it's a great opportunity. If your country asks you then you should go."
He is still negotiating with the Dragons for a two-year extension to his contract which ends next year, and wants to play out his career at Rodney Parade.
"I want both parties to be happy and I've got to chat to Newport Gwent Dragons this week. I'm hoping to extend my contract with them and I'm pretty pleased with the way it's going," he said.
"But before I do anything I've got to get my hand right and I'll have to see what the medical staff say.
"There is a lot of rugby to be played but it should be all right as long as the coaches look after us.
"It will be odd to play against Wales again, it's been a while, but it's a great opportunity."
Montgomery played the last of his 50 Tests two years ago and he scored 218 points for the Dragons this season after starting late because off his six months suspension, 170 points coming in his last 12 appearances.
He is one of five players in the running for the Dragons player-of-the-year award tonight.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article