Kleyn cleared to cover for Etzebeth

According to reports, Munster star Jean Kleyn appears all good to play for the Springboks this season following his switch from Ireland.

Kleyn has been given the green light according to Rapport.

With Sharks forward Eben Etzebeth out injured for now, he looks set to partner Munster teammate RG Snyman in the early season tests.

HOW KLEYN QUALIFIES FOR A SPRINGBOK SWITCH

The Springboks are now set to benefit from regulation 8. And it allows for a player to change his nationality if he satisfies the following criteria. 

– Not have played Test rugby for 36 months (three years)

– Either have been born in the country they wish to play for, or have a parent or grandparent born in that country

– Not have changed nationality using Regulation 8 before

Each case is subject to World Rugby’s regulation committee.

Kleyn is said to have been called up by Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber as cover for Eben Etzabeth, who is thought to be on course to recover for the Rugby Championship. 

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Speaking to the Rapport, Kleyn opened up on why he is opting to honour a Springbok call up and subsequently end his international career with Ireland. 

WHY HE IS SNUBBING IRELAND FOR SOUTH AFRICA

“When I was approached, I was overwhelmed by the opportunity to be part of the Springbok squad. I couldn’t let the chance pass, this opportunity that my home country is offering me is an honour that I never thought I would get.” Kleyn told the publication. 

READ | MANNIE LIBBOK TO GET SPRINGBOK CHANCE?

KLEYN HELPED DOWN THE STORMERS

Kleyn recently led Munster to the United Rugby Championship, beating his former side the Stormers in the final in Cape Town. That was the Irish side’s first trophy in 12 years. He will be hoping that has impressed the Springbok management enough to give him a chance to win another piece of silverware with them this year. 

READ | Are these 14 backs set to earn Springboks RWC selection?

SPRINGBOKS RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP TRAINING SQUAD:

Props: Thomas du Toit (Cell C Sharks), Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers), Vincent Koch (Stade Francais), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers), Ox Nche (Cell C Sharks), Trevor Nyakane (Racing 92).

Hookers: Joseph Dweba (DHL Stormers), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Cell C Sharks).

Locks: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Eben Etzebeth (Cell C Sharks), Marvin Orie (DHL Stormers), RG Snyman (Munster).

Loose Forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Siya Kolisi (Cell C Sharks), Evan Roos (DHL Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Duane Vermeulen (Ulster), Jasper Wiese (Leicester).

Utility Forwards: Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Deon Fourie (DHL Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat).

Scrumhalves: Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Jaden Hendrikse (Cell C Sharks), Herschel Jantjies (DHL Stormers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Cell C Sharks).

Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester), Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers).

Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Cell C Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Harlequins), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).

Outside Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Cheslin Kolbe (Toulon), Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz), Makazole Mapimpi (Cell C Sharks), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls).

SA 2023 FIXTURES:

Castle Lager Rugby Championship:

Saturday, 8 July – Springboks vs Australia (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)

Saturday, 15 July – Springboks vs New Zealand (Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland)

Saturday, 29 July – Springboks vs Argentina (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)

RWC warm-up fixtures:

Saturday, 5 August – Springboks v Argentina (Velez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires)

Saturday, 19 August – Springboks vs Wales (Principality Stadium, Cardiff)

Friday, 25 August – Springboks vs New Zealand (Twickenham, London)

REMINDER: Springboks’ season officially underway from this Sunday!

RWC fixtures:

Sunday, 10 September – Boks v Scotland (Stade Marseille, Marseille)

Sunday, 17 September – Boks v Romania (Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux)

Saturday, 23 September – Boks v Ireland (Stade de France, Paris)

Sunday, 1 October – Boks v Tonga (Stade Marseille, Marseille)

Weekend of 14/15 October – Quarter-finals

Weekend of 21/22 October – Semi-finals

Saturday, 28 October – Final