Jacques Nienaber lifts lid on driving force behind RG Snyman's Munster exit

Leinster coach Jacques Nienaber has revealed that it was Munster’s choice to let World Cup-winning Springbok RG Snyman leave last season, leading to the controversial move to reunite with his former South Africa coach in Dublin.

The 29-year-old lock will team up with his new province after the Rugby Championship concludes at the end of September as one of a few blockbuster signings this summer, which also includes All Black Jordie Barrett.

Speaking to the Irish Independent recently, Nienaber explained that Munster were forced into making a choice between their two South African locks last season, Jean Kleyn and Snyman, and opted to keep the former.

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The situation arose due to the rules around Irish Rugby’s non-Irish qualified players (NIQs), combined with Kleyn’s decision to switch allegiance to South Africa having previously represented Ireland.

Kleyn becoming an NIQ player put Munster in the invidious position where they had to choose between the two locks.

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New Zealand

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Nienaber also explained that Snyman wanted to remain in Ireland for personal reasons, which makes sense why Leinster made a move for the double World Cup winner, who endured an injury-plagued four years at Munster.

“A guy like RG, it’s probably well documented that it was a decision Munster had to make between RG and Jean Kleyn,” Nienaber said.

“They had to make a call between the two, and they went with Jean, and then RG was available.

“His wife is doing some accountancy exams in Ireland, so they were keen to stay and for Leinster to come for him. I don’t think he wanted to leave, to be fair. They wanted to stay in Ireland.

“I don’t think it’s all or nothing for us. I mean, it’s good if you can attract people that want to come to the club.”

The move will see Snyman work under Nienaber again for the first time since the World Cup last year, where the lock was deployed from the bench for the final 30 minutes of the World Cup final against the All Blacks as the Springboks won back-to-back titles.