Rassie Erasmus delighted that Jean Kleyn is cleared for Springbok selection

SA Rugby’s director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, has expressed his delight after it was confirmed that Munster and former Ireland lock Jean Kleyn has been cleared for Springbok selection under rugby’s new eligibility rules.

World Rugby confirmed on Thursday that Kleyn fulfilled the necessary ‘birthright transfer’ requirements.

That news has clearly thrilled Erasmus, who feels his inclusion has bolstered the team’s second-row depth.

Increases Boks’ second-row depth

“Jean’s clearance is great news for the team in this important season,” he said.

“His international experience increases our depth at lock while at the same time boosting the experience in the squad in a year in which every match is vital in our preparations for the World Cup.”

Kleyn has represented Munster in more than 130 matches and played a crucial role during their triumphant 2022/23 United Rugby Championship-winning campaign, in which they beat the Stormers in the final in Cape Town last month.

The 29-year-old was born in Johannesburg and represented the Stormers and Western Province before joining Munster in 2016. He also played for Ireland in five Tests in 2019, including the Rugby World Cup after qualifying through residency.

Meanwhile, Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber said his team’s Rugby Championship preparations are on track after they completed the second week of their training camp in Pretoria on Friday.

With their opening Test against Australia at Loftus Versfeld set to take place on July 8, the Springboks have been working hard on and off the field during the past fortnight as the training camp consisted of several field and gym sessions as well as team meetings.

South Africa‘s 42-man training squad will re-assemble in Pretoria on Sunday for the last week of their training camp.

Making good progress

“Things are coming together nicely,” said Nienaber. “The intensity of our training sessions is good and it’s pleasing to see how we are progressing.

“We had a good base to build from thanks to the camps earlier in the season, and we’ve built on that steadily since getting together.

“We also started zooming into the Tests against Australia and New Zealand this week because it’s vital that we are well prepared going into those Test matches and have a good Castle Lager Rugby Championship campaign before entering our Rugby World Cup warm-up matches and the global spectacle itself later in the season.”

READ MORE: SA Rugby confirm that Jean Kleyn has been cleared for Springbok selection