Irish powerhouse Leinster have confirmed the signing coup of double World Cup-winning Springbok RG Snyman.
But the move is highly unlikely to go down well in Munster, the Irish province who have nursed Snyman through a series of injuries and only have been rewarded with 10 appearances in the four years he has been with them.
For one, Snyman goes to their arch-rivals, which, in a highly competitive and partisan environment like Limerick, is bound to cause some ructions.
📜✍️ | 𝗟𝗲𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝘂𝗴𝗯𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗚 𝗦𝗻𝘆𝗺𝗮𝗻.
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) December 19, 2023
Read the full story here: https://t.co/FW9IuchGkT#FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/VwzDsCeS0q
Leinster, who signed Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber as Leo Cullen’s assistant a few months ago, now have another double World Cup-winner in their ranks from the end of the season.
Snyman was courted by the DHL Stormers, Hollywoodbet Sharks and Vodacom Bulls, as well as Johann van Graan’s Bath but his asking price was too high.
Leinster have, according to reports in the Irish media, agreed to pay him the equivalent of €500 000 per season.
“Last month it was announced that Snyman would be leaving Munster Rugby at the end of the season and having previously played with the Bulls in South Africa and Honda Heat in Japan, he will join Leinster in advance of the 2024/25 season,” a statement from the Irish club said.
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."
To make matters worse for Munster fans, the announcement comes ahead of the Boxing Day (or St Stephen’s Day in Ireland) clash next week against Leinster.
Snyman was part of Munster’s squad that beat the Stormers to claim their first URC title back in May.
Speaking this afternoon, Snyman added, "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.
"Continuing with Munster Rugby 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.
"I am a professional rugby player. I need to work very hard to see to it that I add value to any system that trusts me enough to improve its cause. At Leinster, I will continue to be challenged to my utmost limit to improve my game and hopefully contribute to improve the club. That will be my only job and I intend to do everything to achieve this at the highest level of performance.
"I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and to work under Jacques Nienaber again. I want to thank Leinster for making it possible."
🗨️ | “I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and to work under Jacques Nienaber again. I want to thank Leinster for making it possible.” pic.twitter.com/OrOiwzUPmd
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) December 19, 2023