One Springbok re-signs, one set to depart as Munster end speculation

One Springbok re-signs, one set to depart as Munster end speculation

Jean Kleyn, the champion of the Rugby World Cup, has signed a new deal with Munster, while RG Snyman, his Springboks partner, is expected to depart.

Before this year’s international competition, Kleyn was chosen for his natal country of South Africa, which raised a lot of questions about the future of the talented pair.

Thus, it was anticipated that Munster would cut their non-Irish-qualified roster for the upcoming season by losing either Kelen or Snyman from the 2024–25 campaign.

Kleyn staying

That player will be Snyman, who will accept a new playing chance at the end of the current season; however, the other second-row Springbok, Munster, has re-signed.

Openside flanker John Hodnett signed a new contract with the United Rugby Championship team, so there was more good news on the contract front as well.

Hodnett proved to be the hero in the Stormers match, scoring the game-winning try that gave them a dramatic 19-14 victory in Cape Town.

Alongside Kleyn, he inked a two-year deal. Liam Coombes, a wing/centre who has made 19 appearances and scored six tries, signed a one-year contract.

The big news for Munster supporters, however, will be Kleyn’s contract, as he was been crowned the province’s Men’s Player of the Year for 2022–2023 following an incredible season.

After making his debut against the Scarlets in 2016, the diligent lock made a comeback to URC action last weekend against Leinster. He has played 137 games for Munster overall.

Kleyn had a fantastic season last year, starting 24 games—more than any other member of the Munster team—including 19 straight to cap off an incredible campaign.

Key last term

He and Hodnett both played key roles in the team’s championship victory; the latter scored three tries in 20 games the previous season, including the game-winning touchdown on May 27 in Cape Town.

Another important player in the later part of the season was Snyman, who helped himself to a Springbok selection by playing in the red jersey after his injury.

The lock was a part of their winning Rugby World Cup campaign as a consequence, but he has since been sidelined following surgery for a chest/shoulder problem.

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