In a surprising turn of events, Leinster has set its sights on Munster’s double Rugby World Cup-winning lock, RG Snyman, as a major signing for the upcoming season per a report in the Irish Times.
The 28-year-old South African, renowned for his impactful performances as a substitute in South Africa’s last two World Cup victories, is poised to join Leo Cullen’s squad, adding further depth and skill to the already formidable Leinster side.
Munster officially announced three weeks ago that Snyman, would be parting ways with the province at the end of the season.
In the end, Snyman’s significant injury profile appeared to be a defining factor in letting the 6’9″ and 130kg lock move on.
Instead of keeping Snyman, Munster opted to resign his Springbok World Cup-winning teammate Jean Kleyn, who opted to represent South Africa after a change in World Rugby’s eligibility laws. This switch of allegiance from Ireland to South Africa meant Munster were left with a dilemma of who to re-sign.
Snyman, despite enduring two long-term ACL injuries, has remained a beloved figure at Munster, contributing significantly to their successful charge to the United Rugby Championship (URC) title with six appearances. His impact continued on the international stage, playing a crucial role in South Africa’s back-to-back World Cup victories, including memorable performances against France, England and New Zealand and in the knockout stages.
Leinster’s decision to sign Snyman despite his recent surgery for a chest/shoulder injury underscores the club’s confidence in his abilities. The lock’s explosive carrying and offloading prowess have caught the attention of Leinster’s management, making him a valuable asset to the team.
Despite the emergence of Joe McCarthy, Leinster sees Snyman as a crucial addition, especially when key players like James Ryan and Ryan Baird are on international duty. The signing follows a similar pattern to Leinster’s previous acquisition of Jason Jenkins from Munster, emphasising the club’s strategy of securing impactful power players to compete with the likes of La Rochelle and Toulouse.
As Leinster navigates the current season with Jenkins in their ranks, the anticipation for Snyman’s potential arrival adds excitement to the prospect of a strengthened squad for the next campaign. The game-changing South African lock’s proven track record as a two-time World Cup winner suggests that Leinster has secured a formidable asset for the challenges that lie ahead.
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