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Former South Africa international fly-half Andre Pretorius has joined Australian Super 14 side Western Force as their marquee player for next season.

The 30-year-old World Cup winner, who has played eight Super rugby seasons for South Africa's Lions, will replace Wallabies fly-half Matt Giteau, who is heading back to the ACT Brumbies.

"This was one of the biggest decisions I have had to make in my professional career," Pretorius said in a statement on the team's website.

"My loyalty has always been with the Lions ... and they assisted me in becoming a Springbok.

"I am excited about the opportunity to play for the Force. I believe that their structures and type of coaching can get me to perform at my optimal best."

The Australian Rugby Union relaxed its rules last year to allow their Super 14 teams to contract one international "marquee" player not eligible for the Wallabies.

Pretorius, who accumulated 31 caps for the Springboks since his debut in 2002 and was a member of the 2007 World Cup winning side, will replace New Zealand-born tighthead prop Ben Castle as the foreign import player, the Force said.

Pretorius will join the Force at the end of South Africa's domestic Currie Cup competition in October.

Reuters