Bok lock back in action

09/17/2024 04:20 AM

Munster have confirmed that Springbok lock Jean Kleyn has returned to full fitness ahead of the new Vodacom United Rugby Championship season.

The towering second rower has seen limited action since South Africa's narrow 12-11 victory over the All Blacks in the 2023 World Cup final, having played just one game off the bench for Munster.

Kleyn picked up an eye injury in his only appearance for the Irish club last season, which kept him sidelined and out of all of the Springboks' Tests this year, including the double-header against Ireland — a team he earned five caps for during the 2019 World Cup.

Munster open their URC campaign against Connacht at Thomond Park, with Kleyn now cleared to be part of the squad.

"There is good news for Jean Kleyn as he has returned to full training," Munster confirmed in an injury update. "Kleyn returns having missed the majority of last season."

Kleyn's return is a major boost for the Springboks as well, with Rassie Erasmus continuing to navigate an ongoing lock crisis. South Africa began 2024 without Kleyn and fellow World Cup-winning lock Lood de Jager.

To make matters worse, Franco Mostert broke his leg during the Ireland series, while RG Snyman and Salmaan Moerat picked up injuries during the Rugby Championship.

With Kleyn, Mostert, Snyman, and Moerat all expected to be available for the November internationals, Erasmus will hope to have some consistency in his second row, although De Jager will only return to action in January.

Photo: EPA/KIM LUDBROOK

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