Munster announce RG Snyman to leave at end of the season, as Jean Kleyn gets new contract

Patrick McCarry

The province has made its’ call.

Munster has announced three new contract extensions, early in the 2023/24 season, while confirming that RG Snyman will leave the club.

The province, which won the United Rugby Championship last season, was left with a tough choice after Jean Kleyn switched his Test allegiance from Ireland to his native South Africa. It left Munster with two Springbok locks, which the IRFU and many at the club will have acknowledged was not a long-term solution.

Kleyn and Snyman were both key figures in South Africa winning the 2023 World Cup and will help Munster defend their URC title, and seek European glory, for the remainder of the season. A Munster statement on their contract business reads:

‘Munster Rugby can confirm that Jean Kleyn, John Hodnett and Liam Coombes have all signed contract extensions with the province. Kleyn, who won the World Cup with South Africa last month, and Hodnett have both signed two-year extensions with Coombes signing a one-year deal.

‘The province can also confirm that RG Snyman will depart Munster for a new playing opportunity on completion of his contract at the end of the season.

‘Named Munster Men’s Player of the Year for 2022/23, Kleyn made his first appearance of the campaign against Leinster at the weekend. He has played 137 games for Munster since making his debut against Scarlets in 2016.

‘Last year was a standout campaign as he made 24 starts, more than anyone else in the squad, including 19 starts in-a-row to finish the season as Munster clinched the URC title.’

RG Snyman of Munster. (Credit: Sportsfile)

RG Snyman currently out injured

John Hodnett has been rewarded for a very good 2022/23 – three tries in 20 appearances and Man of the Match in the URC Final – with a two-year extension. The versatile Coombes has six tries in 19 Munster appearances.

Snyman has been linked with clubs in France and Japan but may well return to a South African franchise in 2024.

‘Snyman has twice returned from long-term injuries during his time at Munster and played an important role last season,’ the statement concluded, ‘making six appearances in the province’s charge to the URC title. He is currently sidelined after undergoing surgery on a chest/shoulder injury.’

On the latest House of Rugby, James Downey and Lindsay Peat spoke highly of Thomas Ahern, who has stepped in so deftly for Munster that Snyman’s considerable presence is not being felt too hard.