Munster Rugby's Jean Kleyn invited to join Springbok training camp

SOUTH Africa Rugby has confirmed that Munster Rugby's Jean Kleyn has been invited to join Jacque Nienaber’s Springbok training camp ahead of the upcoming Rugby Championship that will commence in July.

Fellow Munster lock RG Snyman has also been included in the training squad.

Kleyn, who made five appearances for Ireland in 2019, will join the squad pending the outcome of an application filed by SA Rugby regarding the lock’s eligibility in terms of Regulation 8 and based on birth right. The decision is expected to be received soon.

The Munster-man has played 136 times since joining the province in 2016 and is synonymous with the number 4 jersey.  This season he made the most appearances with 24 starts, including 19-successive starts.

Speaking about the opportunity to play with the Springboks, the 29-year-old told Munster Rugby.ie, “I have always expressed an interest in playing international rugby and was honoured to represent Ireland in the past.

“When approached I was blown away with this opportunity to be a part of the Springbok squad. I could not pass up on it when it was offered.

“Munster has shaped me as a person and player, it is where I have built a life with my young family but to be offered this opportunity by my home country is an honour I never thought I would receive.

“The last three weeks have been the been the dream here at Munster. To fight through a brutal season and play week in week out, has been a high point of my career. As a team we continued to believe alongside our coaches, and against the odds succeeded.

“There are no guarantees in life but what I do know is that I will give everything to any team I am a part of. It’s all or nothing for me and I look forward to seeing where this journey brings me and look forward to returning to Munster for as long as they will have me. I am here to play and that’s what I am going to do.”