Springboks World Cup-winning lock RG Snyman’s future officially confirmed

It’s official, Springboks’ lock RG Snyman will join Leinster Rugby from rivals Munster ahead of the 2024/25 season.

In late November, Munster confirmed that the second rower would depart the side at the end of the current season, and their rivals, Leinster, have officially won the race for his services.

Wanting to stay in Ireland

Snyman certainly had his pick of designations, with reports linking him with a move to the Premiership to join Bath, while there were also links with a return to South Africa and Japan.

However, the 6′ 9″ lock explained that he wanted to remain in Ireland, where he has been based since 2020.

“Having settled really well in Limerick since our arrival in Ireland almost four years ago, my wife and I want to stay on in Ireland if possible,” Snyman explained in a Leinster statement confirming his signing.

“Continuing with Munster Rugby beyond June of 2024, was no longer a choice I could exercise. I will continue to give my absolute all and best for Munster, on and off the field, until the end of the season.

“After careful consideration of all offers presented, the Leinster opportunity was the one I decided on. It is an invitation that allows me to continue to stay part of a world-class, high-performance rugby set-up. It also enables my wife and I to stay in Ireland.

“I am a professional rugby player. I need to work very hard to see to it that I add value to any system that trusts me enough to improve its cause. At Leinster, I will continue to be challenged to my utmost limit to improve my game and hopefully contribute to improve the club. That will be my only job, and I intend to do everything to achieve this at the highest level of performance.

“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and to work under Jacques Nienaber again. I want to thank Leinster for making it possible.”

Snyman’s recruitment comes just a day after Leinster confirmed that star back-rower Caelan Doris had signed a contract extension until 2027.

The lock has endured a torrid run of injuries during his time at Munster, limiting him to just ten appearances for the men in red.

World-class operator

He did, however, return to full fitness in time to help the side lift the United Rugby Championship title last season and earned a place in the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup squad.

He scored a crucial try when coming off the bench in the semi-final victory over England and earned his 34th Test cap for his country a week later in their win over New Zealand, lifting the title for a fourth time.

Snyman will also link up with ex-Boks coach Jacques Nienaber at Leinster after he joined the side after the World Cup. Confirmation of his signing also indicates that fellow Springbok lock Jason Jenkins will depart Leinster at the end of the season with a rumoured move back to South Africa to join the Sharks.

“We’re delighted that RG is joining us next season. He is a world-class operator, coming into his prime and a powerful athlete who will bring more competition to that position for our squad,” Leinster Head Coach Leo Cullen said.

“He is also a double-World Cup-winning Springbok and all that brings in terms of experience, and all our players can tap into that. We are always looking for ways we can improve our learning as a group and I know from speaking to Jacques that RG will hopefully help us do just that.”

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