JOOST van der Westhuizen has asked for another few days to make a decision on whether to stay in South Africa or take up the offer of a contract with Newport.

Van der Westhuizen met South African Rugby Union officials today to try to thrash out his immediate future.

It is understood they have made the player an improved offer and handed him a two-year contract, though that is not in SARFU's statement.

A spokesman said: "We had a very good discussion with Joost. We accept it is not an easy decision and have given him a week to confirm whether he will stay in South Africa or take up an offer to join Welsh club Newport."

Newport chief executive Keith Grainger said: "As far as the club is aware at no stage has Joost ever indicated a change of mind.

"As previously reported he has booked a flight for Monday and accommodation has been arranged for him in Wales next week.

"We're hopeful that when he thinks through the offers he'll still be keen to join Newport and pursue his chosen course indicated earlier in the summer.

"But we respect he needs time and space to reach a decision."