Smit has decided to end his short sojourn in France a year early to concentrate on his international commitments with the Springboks and to presumably prepare for the challenge of the British & Irish Lions in 2009.

Having become a national hero for leading the Springboks to their second World Cup triumph in Paris earlier this season, Smit joined team mates Percy Montgomery and Victor Matfield in quitting the Super 14 scene and joining French clubs.

It was feared the move might lead to a premature end to the Test careers of the three players, but new Springbok coach Pieter de Villiers named all three, along with Bath outside half Butch James, in his 42 man training squad to prepare for this summer's international assignments against Wales, Italy and in the Tri-Nations series.

Clermont Auvergne had agreed to release Smit to play for South Africa in the Prince William Cup games against Wales on 7 and 14 June. He will then return to France to help his club if they reach the semi-finals of the Top 14.

He has made 13 Top 14 appearances for his club this season and also appeared in the Heineken Cup.

"The decision was difficult to take. I really wanted to carry on with the experience of living and playing in France," said Smit.

"I wanted to discover a new culture and play a new style of rugby. But the situation in South Africa is very complicated and I understand the Union wants to have control over the movement of its players.

"What I will remember most from Clermont is the passion for rugby from the fans."

The 30-year-old Smit has won 75 caps for the Springboks and played in led the Sharks into last year's Super 14 final against the Bulls.

If he returns to the Sharks, he could well lead his former team into battle against Ian McGeechan's Lions tourists in their fifth game on 10 June.