Road to the RWC | Springbok player profile: Jean Kleyn
As part of our build-up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, we continue to profile each player in the Springboks’ squad. Next up: Jean Kleyn.
As one of only a select few who can say they’ve gone on to represent two different countries at a Rugby World Cup, Jean Kleyn is one of Springbok rugby’s most unconventional players to date.
He may not feature in South Africa’s starting XV, but Ireland-turned-Springbok lock Jean Kleyn is set to play a pivotal role for the reigning world champions.
The 30-year-old had previously earned five Test caps for the Ireland, including several appearances at the 2019 RWC. But the abrasive lock’s playing style fits perfectly with the Springboks’ forward-orientated brand of rugby, meaning he could well have a better performance output for South Africa than Ireland at the Rugby World Cup.
Below we highlight some key information about the 27-year-old in our ongoing player profile series.
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PROFILE: JEAN KLEYN
Name: Jean Kleyn
Born: 26 August 1992
Age: 30
School: Linden High
Position: Lock
Height: 2.3m
Weight: 121kg
Test debut: South Africa v Australia in Pretoria, 8 July 2023
Springbok no.: 932
Tests played: 4
Tries scored: 0
Current club team: Munster
Major teams: Ireland, Stormers, Western Province, Maties
All information correct as at 5 September 2023
SPRINGBOKS’ WORLD CUP FIXTURES:
Sunday, 10 September – Boks v Scotland (Stade Velodrome, Marseille), 5:45pm
Sunday, 17 September – Boks v Romania (Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux), 3pm
Saturday, 23 September – Boks v Ireland (Stade de France, Paris), 9pm
Sunday, 1 October – Boks v Tonga (Stade Velodrome, Marseille), 9pm
Weekend of 14/15 October – Quarter-finals
Weekend of 21/22 October – Semi-finals
Saturday, 28 October – Final
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