The Springboks have suffered another second-row blow after it was confirmed that lock Jean Kleyn will be undergoing knee surgery.

The 2023 World Cup winner has been out since November with an eye injury suffered in Munster’s Vodacom URC derby defeat to Leinster.

However, with Kleyn’s eye issue taking longer than expected to heal, Munster confirmed that he has opted to undergo surgery on his knee, ruling him out for the rest of the season.

Kleyn’s recovery adds to a stacked medical ward at Munster, as the Irish club are waiting on Oli Jager, Fineen Wycherley, Alex Nankivell, Niall Scannell, Peter O’Mahony, Joey Carbery and Patrick Campbell ahead of the Champions Cup clash with Toulon on Saturday.

The 30-year-old was a key part of South Africa’s World Cup-winning squad last year and played off the bench in the final against the All Blacks in Paris.

The Springboks are already sweating over Kleyn’s club teammate RG Snyman, who is expected to return from chest/shoulder surgery in March.

Photo: PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP