Full-back Montgomery told Springbok coach Rudolf Straeuli he was seeking a contract with an overseas club to secure his financial future.

His announcement comes shortly after Straeuli declined to offer him a contract with the national side until the 2003 World Cup.

A spokesperson for Montgomery's agent, said the player had not signed for anyone yet and still had to discuss his plans with his provincial employers Western Province.

"He has a contract with Western Province until the end of the 2003 season," she said.

"He is going to look to go overseas at some stage but the timing on that hasn't been decided and he only made his decision to be fair to the Springbok selectors."

Straeuli said: "I am disappointed by Montgomery's decision. He has not backed himself to make the Bok team and to get a contract in South Africa, and that is extremely disappointing.

"He has cited financial security as the reason for a move overseas. It is always disappointing when a player is not prepared to stick it out and fight for his place in a national team.

"I will not have a gun held to my head, and I will not deal with players through their agents."

Straeuli said that Montgomery's agent had made contact on Friday, suggesting that only a World Cup contract would keep Montgomery in South Africa.

The 28-year-old lost his place in the national team to Conrad Jantjes during the 2001 Tri-Nations and his national contract was not renewed at the beginning of the 2002 season.

Montgomery follows seven other Springboks in seeking overseas employment since the end of the South African season: