The world hasn’t ‘seen the best’ of Springboks lock RG Snyman, claims ex-coach

Bath head coach Johann van Graan has heaped praise on Leinster-bound Springbok lock RG Snyman.

Earlier this week, Leinster confirmed that the powerful double World Cup-winning second rower would be joining the Irish Province from Munster next season.

This came after Munster announced that they would not be renewing his contract. Following confirmation of his departure, Snyman was linked to multiple clubs, including Premiership outfit Bath.

“Phenomenal athlete”

However, Leinster reportedly offered Snyman a mouth-watering €500,000 (R10 million) one-season contract to make the move to Dublin, which Bath could not compete with as the second rower also favoured remaining in Ireland.

Prior to the announcement of his signing, Van Graan has commented on the Springbok during an interview on the Rugby Pod.

“What I would say about him is he’s one of the best players I’ve coached,” the Bath boss said after refusing to comment on their links with Snyman’s services.

“He was in the same school as I was, Affies (Afrikaanse Hoer Seunskool in Pretoria).

“He’s a phenomenal athlete, the things that he can do with ball in hand are incredible, and I don’t think the world has seen the best of him yet.

“Talent-wise, he’s one of the best that I’ve ever coached. All that I can say is that wherever he goes, whichever team takes him, they are lucky to have him.

“On top of that, he is an incredible human being. I’ve got the utmost respect for RG; wherever he goes, I wish him the very best.”

Van Graan was head coach at Munster when the Province signed Snyman, but the 28-year-old struggled with injuries during his time with the side.

Since he arrived at the side in 2020, he has played just ten times for the men in red. He is currently nursing another injury he sustained during the Rugby World Cup Final victory over New Zealand.

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