Jean de Villiers successfully underwent surgery on his broken jaw in Cape Town on Wednesday.

The Springbok captain was forced out of the World Cup after having been injured against Samoa on Saturday, and although De Villiers subsequently announced his international retirement, he does plan to continue playing in some capacity.

'Jean had surgery in Cape Town and the operation went well,' Springbok team doctor Craig Roberts said. 'The fractured jaw was plated and his wisdom teeth were removed.'

De Villiers is currently recuperating at home and a decision on him returning to England to support the Springboks will be made at a later stage.

Photo: Michael Steele/Gallo Images