JOOST van der Westhuizen, Newport's latest major big money signing, will NOT be returning to South Africa this autumn to play Currie Cup rugby.

The only time he will go home after his Newport contract starts will be to play in the November internationals, which all countries play, if he is selected.

Reports coming out of South Africa at the weekend suggested that van der Westhuizen would go back to play Currie Cup rugby in October to challenge for his Springbok place. That would rule him out of three of Newport's Heineken Cup pool matches, as well as league games.

And that has prompted a series of comments from Newport fans on the club website worried that the signing is not all it seems.

But Craig Livingstone of Players Sport Management, agents for most of South Africa's top players including van der Westhuizen, strongly denied the stories. Speaking from Johannesburg he said: "Joost's contract with Newport runs from September 1 and it runs right through the season.

"The only time he will be going back is in November to play for South Africa if selected. "He certainly won't be going to play Currie Cup rugby, that has been a misunderstanding. "All his focus and energies will be on Newport. He's really looking forward to coming, it's a change for him and he hopes to help Newport into the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup for the first time.

"Joost is fully committed to Newport, he's never done anything in half measures." Newport owner Tony Brown also insists van der Westhuizen will be available for Newport right through the season, apart from internationals when they are obliged to release him. "I can understand why SARFU (South African Rugby Union) have put out this statement, but other than for internationals he will be available for us," he said.

Newport players, meanwhile, are enthusiastic about the arrival of such a world renowned player.

"It's great news, a huge signing," said Wales lock Ian Gough. "It's unbelievable really and it shows Tony Brown is not afraid to put a lot of money in and go out and get some of the best players in the world.

"Newport is unrecognisable from a few years ago, and people are really taking notice. "We need big players in Europe, it's exciting and season tickets should be flying now." Jason Forster, Wales sevens captain, said: "It's a great signing for the club, he's a legend.

"He's a world class player who should add a bit more bite to our play. He's a leader who has played a wealth of international and Super 12 rugby."