Springboks’ former Ireland lock: I never thought I’d play for SA
Jean Kleyn, who played Test rugby for Ireland before, admitts he never in his wildest dreams imagined he’d get a chance to play for the Springboks.
The Springboks’ former Irish Test international, Jean Kleyn, has opened up about his surprise inclusion in South Africa’s 33-man squad for the Rugby World Cup.
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A ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
The towering figure that is Jean Kleyn is a South African-born forward who had previously played for the Stormers before he made the switch to Irish club Munster in 2016. Three years later he qualified for Ireland and would go on to play for his adopted country at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Since then, he fell out of favour with the Irish selectors and because of his non-selectio, Kleyn became eligible for Springbok selection earlier this year election under new eligibility rules.
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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.
Following World Rugby clearance, the 2,03m second rower made Test debut for the Springboks against the Wallabies on 8 July and he has not looked back since.
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KLEYN HEADING TO THE WORLD CUP WITH SPRINGBOKS
Kleyn surprisingly included in the 33-man Springbok squad for the upcoming World Cup in France and the 29-year-old says his selection was an opportunity he cherished, but never expected in his wildest dreams.
“It didn’t even cross my mind that I could play in this World Cup,” said Kleyn.
“I incidentally told a friend a while ago that I was finished with international rugby, as that was the reality then, and I had accepted it.
“I didn’t think that there were prospects of playing for the Springboks, so when I received the call from Rassie (Erasmus – SA Rugby Director of Rugby), it was an opportunity I certainly didn’t plan to turn down.
“I’m proud to be representing the national team and to be part of something so special.”
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