“I want to stay on in Ireland if possible.”
RG Snyman will switch provinces, from Munster to Leinster, starting in the 2024/25 season.
The double World Cup-winning Springbok forward has been with Munster since 2020 but two knee injuries and a shoulder issue have restricted him to just 10 matches [268 minutes] since then. He played a part in last season’s United Rugby Championship title success but injured his shoulder at the latest World Cup and is not expected back until Spring 2024.
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen said, “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.
“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.
“His arrival is a fair bit away yet, but it’s great to have his signature and in time we can welcome him properly, but for now it’s all eyes on our trip down to Limerick on St Stephen’s Day.”
The impending capture of RG Snyman was discussed on the latest House of Rugby [from 7:35 below], with former Leinster and Ireland star Lindsay Peat remarking that her province would be wise to put in a minutes played clause into a contract that is reportedly high.
Munster players, from left, Jean Kleyn, RG Snyman and Tadhg Beirne celebrate at the final whistle of the United Rugby Championship Final. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Sportsfile)RG Snyman on his Leinster switch
RG Snyman will be linking up with his former Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber, who is now at Leinster, and is expected to replace fellow South African Jason Jenkins as an NIQ [Non Irish-Qualified] squad player.
Rugbypass has reported that the 6-foot-9 lock will earn €500,000 per season with Leinster, when he joins next summer.
Speaking about his impending switch RG Snyman stated, “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.
“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.”
There should be extra bite to Munster’s next URC clash against Leinster, at Thomond Park, on December 26.
LINDSAY PEAT & PAT MCCARRY ON HOUSE OF RUGBY
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