RG Snyman reunites with Jacques Nienaber at Leinster

Irish giants Leinster have officially confirmed the signing of Springbok lock RG Snyman.

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The two-time Rugby World Cup-winner will join coach Leo Cullen’s squad from Munster next season, according to The Irish Times website.

Former Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber is the new Leinster ‘senior coach’.

Snyman will reportedly be paid €500 000 (R10 million) a season.

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Snyman explained: “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 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.”

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Last month it was announced that Snyman, who will turn 29 in January 2024, 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.

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RG Snyman, who turns 29 in January, scored a try in the Springboks World Cup victory over New Zealand at the Stade de France in October. Last month it was announced that Snyman would be leaving Munster at the end of the season, 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.

Leinster 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.”

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RG Snyman stands 6-foot-9 and to date has won 34 caps for the Springboks.

Last season he was part of the Munster squad that won the URC title against the Stormers in Cape Town.

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