New Springbok lock Jean Kleyn has revealed the story behind the black eye he was sporting on his recent debut. Image: @Springboks
Former Irish lock Jean Kleyn cleared for Springbok selection
Jean Kleyn, who previously played for Ireland, is expected to make his Springbok debut next month against Australia.
New Springbok lock Jean Kleyn has revealed the story behind the black eye he was sporting on his recent debut. Image: @Springboks
Former Irish international lock Jean Kleyn is set to make his Springbok debut after he was called for camp.
This comes after the 29-year-old was cleared for Springbok selection under new eligibility rules.
World Rugby confirmed on Thursday that the Johannesburg-born Kleyn fulfilled the necessary ‘birthright transfer’ requirements.
The regulation – which came into force at the start of 2022 – allows for players to be selected for their country of birth (or of their parents’ or grandparents’ birth) once a period of at least 36 months has elapsed since last selection for an adopted country.
Kleyn to make Springbok debut
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SA’s director of rugby Rassie Erasmus said Kleyn’s selection would strenghten the team.
“He is a monster player who has played alongside RG [Snyman]. We often lose locks at the business end of campaigns due to the physical effort we request from them.
“We therefore felt our lock stocks weren’t sufficient. Jean’s inclusion strengthens our squad nicely, Erasmus said.
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“When Regulation 8 was changed, we had a chance to give input, and we actually voted against that. And then World Rugby decided that you can change the national team that you play for. So we immediately started monitoring him as well and look what a brilliant year he has had for Munster. That made picking him easy,” added the former Springbok coach.
Kleyn, who is a former DHL Stormers lock, moved to Ireland in 2016 and qualified for selection for the 2019 Rugby World Cup squad where he made five appearances.
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The 2,03m second rower has made more than 130 appearances for Munster and was a part of their Vodacom United Rugby Championship-winning team in Cape Town last month where they defeated the Stormers.
Kleyn is with the Springbok Castle Lager Rugby Championship training squad and is now eligible for selection as early as next month when the Springboks’ 2023 season kicks off against Australia at Loftus Versfeld.
