Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks lock on the radar for multiple South African clubs
South Africa's RG Snyman celebrates after winning the Rugby World Cup 2023 final match at the Stade de France in Paris, France.
Double Rugby World Cup-winning lock RG Snyman is in line for a possible return to South Africa with his Munster contract up at the end of the season.
Snyman joined Munster in the summer of 2020 but has struggled with injuries throughout his spell at the Irish province and is set to depart the side when his contract comes to an end at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.
His injury woes have not subsided either, having sustained a pectoral muscle injury in the World Cup final victory over New Zealand that will keep him on the sidelines for four to six months.
Clubs line up to sign RG Snyman
With Snyman set to depart Munster, several clubs will be eager to secure his services despite his recent injury record.
According to a report by Afrikaans newspaper, Rapport, more than one of South Africa‘s United Rugby Championship teams have entered the race to sign the giant lock.
The publication did not specify which of the franchises were interested, just that they are ‘scrambling with overseas teams to sign the 28-year-old.’
The Sharks, who are backed by US investors, would likely be one of those sides, despite having a plethora of Springboks on their books already.
The Bulls would also likely be eager to welcome back the lock, who was schooled in Pretoria and represented the side through youth and senior levels.
The Stormers and Western Province are still under SA Rugby’s administrative control, but having secured private equity from The Red Disa consortium, they could fund the signing of Snyman, particularly after lock Marvin Orie departed for Perpignan after the World Cup.
However, the South African sides will need to fight off the interest from European and Japanese clubs. Snyman has had several stints in Japan with Honda Heat and could return to the land of the rising sun, while multiple French Top 14 clubs will certainly be interested, too.
Jean Kleyn and Snyman to depart Munster
As for Munster, they look set to lose both Snyman and Jean Kleyn at the end of the season.
When Kleyn made his Springbok debut earlier this year, he was no longer eligible for Ireland, and the chances of the side retaining both World Cup winners beyond next season was always going to be highly unlikely.
Munster head coach Graham Rowntree confirmed that they are in talks over a contract extension with Kleyn – who is courting interest from Top 14 club Lyon – but added that it was going to be a challenge to keep him.
“He knew, we knew, all parties knew, that it was going to be challenging keeping a hold on him, but those contract negotiations are ongoing, and I can’t really comment any more on them,” Rowntree said.
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