Irish provincial side Leinster Rugby has this afternoon confirmed the signing of double Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok second-row RG Snyman on a two-year deal.
Snyman will join the province from rivals Munster Rugby at the conclusion of the current season.
The move was rumoured to be in the works as early as last week and caught many of guard given the Lock had previously been linked with a move to English Premiership outfit Bath Rugby.
Speaking today, 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."
Snyman is set to compete with Irish international second rows Joe McCarthy and James Ryan.
Upon his arrival in Dublin, Snyman will rekindle his professional relationship with his former Springbok head coach, Jacques Nienaber.
Speaking this afternoon, Snyman said, "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 Rugby 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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