De Villiers compares Cockerill to Meyer
The former Springbok captain has been sidelined from the game since sustaining a jaw injury at the World Cup against Samoa, and is expected to make his return for his new club early in the new year.
He revealed that former Leicester coach Meyer had encouraged him to sign with the Tigers, by speaking highly of the passion of the club. 
"I spoke to (former Tigers and South Africa head coach) Heyneke Meyer and, to be honest, it made the decision for me much easier with what he said," said de Villiers.
"He was only at Leicester a short time but he spoke warmly about the club.
"We get all the game on TV back home from the Premiership and Europe, and watching those I was always amazed by how passionate Richard Cockerill is. There are similarities there with Heyneke in a way.
"You cannot coach or teach that kind of passion, you can see the passion he has for the club and it places a value on the club and the jersey. You cannot buy that," he said.
Capped 109 times by his country and twice named South Africa Player of the Year (2008 and 2013), de Villiers is among the game's most experienced players but says he is struck by the passion there is for the Tigers.
"That passion will take you a long way. Last year the team struggled and had a lot of injuries but still got to the semifinal. That has an influence on this season and where we find ourselves because there were a lot of character tests and the guys got through it. You learn from experience like that."
De Villiers added: "The people, the players, the coaches, the club itself, everything has been great. I'm very happy with the decision. If people invite you in then it makes for an easy transition and that is how it has been here. I can only compliment the staff at Leicester, the players have been unbelievable.
"I haven't been a new boy for a long time but it has been great and now it is just about getting out on the pitch and earning my stripes, that is why I am here.
"Even though I have played 109 Tests for my country, I come here looking to prove my worth again and earn respect. As a player I just want to get on the pitch and do that."
