Snyman’s Leinster move confirmed

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Ireland giants Leinster have officially announced the signing of World Cup-winning Springbok lock RG Snyman for next season.

Munster on 27 November announced that the 28-year-old is set to end his four-year stay in Limerick, having not been able to offer him an extension on his current contract.

Reports in France suggested that the Springbok lock had accepted a deal to join Bath, while South African newspaper Rapport claimed that the Stormers were also hopeful of striking a deal with the ex-Bulls skyscraper.

MORE: Leinster to splash R10m on Snyman

However, on Tuesday afternoon, Leinster brought an end to the speculation, by confirming the two-time World Cup winner will reunite with former Bok coach Jacques Nienaber in Dublin next season.

Speaking to the club’s official website, 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.”

While there was plenty of interest in Snyman’s signature, including from South Africa, he said that he did not want to leave Ireland.

“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,” Snyman explained.

“Continuing with Munster 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.”

Photo: Juan Jose Gasparini/Gallo Images

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