One Springboks star re-signs, one set to depart as Munster end speculation

Dublin, Ireland. 25th Nov, 2023. Jean Kleyn of Munster during the United Rugby Championship Round 6 match between Leinster Rugby and Munster Rugby at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on November 25, 2023 (Photo by Andrew SURMA/ Credit: Sipa US/Alamy Live

Munster have announced that Rugby World Cup winner, Jean Kleyn, has inked a new contract with the province but his Springboks teammate, RG Snyman, is set to leave.

There had been plenty of speculation over the future of the quality duo after Kleyn was selected for his country of birth, South Africa, ahead of this year’s global tournament.

That meant it was expected that Munster would lose one of Kleyn or Snyman from the 2024/25 campaign in order to reduce their non Irish-qualified personnel for next term.

Kleyn staying

Snyman will be that player, as he will take up a new playing opportunity at the end of the current campaign, but his fellow Springboks second-row has re-signed with Munster.

There was also further positive news to report on the contract front as openside flanker John Hodnett has penned a new contract with the United Rugby Championship outfit.

Hodnett was the hero in the final against the Stormers as he crossed for what turned out to be the game-winning try that sealed them a thrilling 19-14 win in Cape Town.

He joins Kleyn in inking a two-year extension while Liam Coombes has signed a one-year contract, with the wing/centre having scored six tries in 19 appearances so far.

The big news though for Munster fans will be the deal for Kleyn, who was recently named Men’s Player of the Year for 2022/23 at the province after a stellar season.

The hard-working lock returned to URC action last weekend against Leinster and has played 137 games for Munster since making his debut against the Scarlets in 2016.

Last year was a superb campaign from Kleyn as he made 24 starts, more than anyone else in the Munster squad, including 19 in-a-row to end the memorable season in style.

Key last term

Both he and Hodnett were vital men in the title success as the latter scored three tries in 20 appearances last season, including that match-winner in Cape Town on May 27.

Snyman was another crucial player during the latter stages of the season as his return to action from injury in the red jersey helped him secure selection for the Springboks.

That resulted in the lock featuring in their successful Rugby World Cup campaign, but he has since been sidelined after having to undergo surgery on a chest/shoulder issue.