RG Snyman could still return to South Africa after details of the Springbok lock’s contract with Leinster were reported in Ireland.
Leinster on Tuesday afternoon confirmed the signing of Snyman from the 2024-25 season, but did not share any further details over the two-time World Cup winner’s contract.
MORE: Leinster confirm Snyman signing
Snyman was linked with a big-money move to Premiership side Bath and a potential return to South Africa, but Leinster won the race for his signature by offering him a reported R10m to reunite with former Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber.
However, according the Irish Independent, Snyman’s contract with the Dublin-based side will only run for the 2024-25 season.
Leinster will be restricted in how much game time they can offer Snyman, as he will be competing with Ireland locks Joe McCarthy, Ryan Baird, James Ryan and Ross Molony.
The IRFU are also unlikely to sanction Leinster keeping Snyman for more than one season, opening up the potential of a return to South Africa in 2025.
Having helped Munster win the Vodacom URC earlier this year, Snyman said that he wanted to stay in Ireland. Munster could not offer him a new contract, after extending fellow Springbok Jean Kleyn’s deal with the club.
“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 told Leinster’s official website.
“Continuing with Munster beyond June of 2024 was no longer a choice I could exercise.
“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.”
However, staying in Ireland beyond 2025 may not be an option for Snyman, as Connacht, the smallest of the Ireland provinces, won’t be able to afford him, while Ulster already have Springbok loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff on their books.
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
