PERCY Montgomery, (pictured) one of the biggest stars in world rugby, wants to join Newport.

And Newport owner Tony Brown revealed today that he almost got the signature of former Springbok captain Andre Vos, who joined Harlequins this week.

The number eight visited Newport for talks with Brown, but had to change his mind about joining because his wife, who is a psychiatrist, was securing a post in London.

The 50-times capped Montgomery who can play anywhere in the back division has rejected the Springboks and hopes to join the band of stars who have flocked to Newport.

Owner Tony Brown is in talks with the player, but a meeting involving Montgomery, his agents and Western Province yesterday struck a hitch.

His province are prepared to let him go, but only when they find a suitable replacement. According to a statement from WP Rugby Ltd, Montgomery has expressed his desire to continue his career abroad, but he will be released only when coach Gert Smal has 'identified and secured the services of a suitable replacement player who would be able to compete at the highest level'.

However, if a suitable replacement is not found, Montgomery has agreed to see out his current three-year contract with Western Province, which expires at the end of 2003. But South African sources say such a scenario does not seem likely at this stage.

Brown told the Argus today: "We have been in discussions with Percy and he wants to come to Newport.

"Having spoken to him, we are hopeful of doing a deal, and, subject to final discussions with Western Province working out satisfactorily, I am confident Montgomery will be coming to Newport.

"But there is still a question mark as to how those discussions will work out. "We want the deal done sooner rather than later because it can't go on. We rate him highly and it would give us that cutting edge. He is relatively young and at the peak of his career."

Regarding Vos, Brown said: "We did have discussions with him a while ago and he came to Newport, but his wife is a qualified psychiatrist and, from her point of view, it would be better to be based in London than in Wales."

Montgomery is the fourth highest capped player in South African rugby history, behind Mark Andrews, Joost van der Westhuizen and Andre Venter.

There is plenty of top flight rugby left in him and his signing would be right up there alongside Gary Teichmann, who was so influential with the club, as a big name star at Newport.

He has been capped in three different positions - full-back, outside-half and centre - but can play on the wing as well.

Newport could well play him at outside-half, with Shane Howarth switching to his international position of full-back if Montgomery does arrive.