RG Snyman set to depart Munster but Jean Kleyn signs on for two more years

By SABC Sport
29th November 2023

Munster have announced that Rugby World Cup winner Jean Kleyn has signed a new contract with the Irish outfit but his Springbok teammate RG Snyman is set to depart.

There had been plenty of speculation over the future of the quality duo after Kleyn was selected for his country of birth ahead of this year's global tournament, having previously played five Test matches for Ireland.

That meant it was expected that Munster would lose one of Kleyn or Snyman from the 2024/25 campaign in order to reduce their non-Irish-qualified personnel for next term.

Snyman will be that player, as he will take up a new playing opportunity at the end of the current campaign, but his fellow Springboks lock has re-signed with Munster, inking a two-year extension.

Kleyn was recently named Men's Player of the Year for 2022/23 at the province after a stellar season which ended with the Irish side winning the URC title.

Kleyn made 24 starts during the season, more than anyone else in the Munster squad, including 19-in-a-row to end the memorable season in style.

It would earn him a call-up to South Africa's Rugby World Cup squad and, ultimately, a World Cup winner's medal.

The hard-working lock returned to URC action last weekend against Leinster - his 137th game for Munster since making his debut against the Scarlets in 2016.

Snyman was another crucial player for Munster during the latter stages of the season as his return to action from injury in the red jersey also helped him secure selection for the Springboks.

That resulted in the lock featuring in their successful Rugby World Cup campaign, but he has since been sidelined after having to undergo surgery on a chest/shoulder issue, an injury he suffered during the World Cup final.

Snyman's next destination has yet to be confirmed but no doubt South African fans will be hoping he's set to return home.

The World Cup hero is sure to be in demand all across the globe, however, so it certainly won't be easy for any of the local franchises to secure his signature as there is sure to be a bidding war for his services.