Damian de Allende and RG Snyman Suffer Burns in Ireland ‘Fire Pit’ Accident

South African rugby players Damian de Allende and RG Snyman, who were recently named in the Springbok squad for the Lions tour, were involved in an accident in Munster, Ireland, over the weekend that has left them with “substantial” burns to their legs, hands and faces. According to their Head Coach they are “ok”.

Munster Rugby revealed on their website that the two Springboks had been involved in a “fire pit accident” (perhaps trying to make a braai), together with Mike Haley and RG Snyman who were less badly injured.

According to a player update issued by the Munster Rugby Medical Department, De Allende and Snyman, will not take part in their respective training and rehabilitation programmes this week, and will meet a specialist again later in the week.

Munster Rugby said the four had required treatment for “superficial burns” following the fire pit accident.

“It is expected that Haley and Stander, who sustained burns to their hands, may return to training this week with availability for Friday night’s game reviewed as the week progresses.

“De Allende and Snyman, who sustained more substantial burns to legs, hands and face, will not take part in their respective training and rehabilitation programmes and will meet a specialist again later in the week.”

Munster said De Allende and Snyman are expected to link up with Jacques Nienaber’s Springbok squad on completion of their provincial programmes.

Munster’s Head Coach Johann van Graan said: “We are hugely relieved that the lads are all ok. The players have all been treated and are being well looked after with Damian and RG meeting the specialist again later this week to review next steps of their recovery.”

Petrol involved in ‘fire pit’ accident

UPDATE: In an exclusive interview with SuperSport, De Allende confirmed most South African readers’ suspicion that someone threw petrol on the fire!  He said: “We were just sitting around the fire and one of the boys threw a bit of petrol over the fire and then it caught his hand and he just tried to put it down on the floor and then the whole thing caught alight and exploded.”

He said that doctors “thought (the burns) were a lot worse when we went into hospital on Saturday night but when we saw the specialist on Sunday he said it wasn’t as bad as they got told. We should be okay in a few weeks hopefully.”

It’s expected that De Allende will be fine for the kick off of the Lion series, although Snyman is still recovering from a knee injury.