Habana has won 36 caps and scores 30 tries for South Africa

The Lions beat the Springboks 2-1 in 1997, and Habana says featuring for the world champions against the tourists in 18 months time is a major ambition.

"The Lions in 2009 is the next big target for me," he said. "I watched the 1997 tour and it was unbelievable to see the aura they brought.

"We sort of owe them one, so 2009 is definitely a goal I have set myself."

Habana, the World Cup's leading try-scorer with eight in South Africa's victorious campaign, played in the 34-12 win over Wales on Saturday in Cardiff.

The 24-year-old, who also won the Super 14 title with the Northern Bulls back in May, says that although he is committed to the Springbok cause until 2009, he could be interested in a move to Europe after that.

"I don't think I will do Britain," he said. "The cold weather is definitely not for me - the wind, rain and those minus temperatures.

"I do see myself maybe going to one of the clubs in the south of France, what with the lifestyle and climate. But that is for a few years' time.

"Up to 2009, I am definitely going to give all that I have got to South African rugby."