Kleyn eager to return for Munster

Munster lock Jean Kleyn is returning from another neck injury as his side prepare to face the Dragons in Cork on Friday evening.

The 24-year-old South African is hoping to get a run as Munster want to end on a winning note in what looks like being Rassie Erasmus’ final game in charge of the PRO14 outfit.

Kleyn hopes to send fellow South Africans, Erasmus and defence coach Jacques Nienaber. out on a win before another compatriot Johann van Graan arrives at Munster.

“I haven’t had much interaction with him myself but everyone I have talked to across the board have only good things to say so I’m very excited to work with the man,” Kleyn told the42.ie about Van Graan.

“He seems to be an exceptional coach, and a very intelligent fellow. The will be the first time working with him but I am really looking forward to that. He has got sterling reviews from guys like Duane Vermuelen.

“When you have got a quality coach leaving a place there are going to be people unhappy in South Africa and there are other people that accept it and wish him the best of luck.”

Kleyn also thinks the return of Erasmus has been extremely well received in South Africa.

“Yeah, there was a massive outcry when he left in the first place and then just him coming here and the results the team has had in the year and a half and his and Jacques coaching ability as well. It has just reinforced South Africans’ opinion of him so he’s going back I’m sure to great applause and very happy Springbok supporters,” added Kleyn.

Despite Munster defeating Dragons 45-17 last season, Kleyn said they will be wary of Bernard Jackman’s team.

“I’ve played against them twice, once when I done my neck, last February at home, this very fixture so this will be sort of retribution for me. It’s going to be a good match. The one thing you learn in rugby is never to write one team off just because they are currently appearing, so we are expecting big challenges and coping with those challenges will be tough. Forging our own game plan will give us a chance to re-focus our strategies."