Munster, and to an extent the Springboks, have suffered a fresh blow with the news that lock Jean Kleyn will play no further part for the remainder of the 2023/2024 season.
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The World Cup winner has been out of action since November as a result of an eye injury he suffered while on duty for Munster against Leinster in the United Rugby Championship.
But he was expected to make his on-field return early in the new year. But that planned timeline now as to be readjusted following confirmation that he had now undergone knee surgery for a separate injury.
Due to Kleyn’s eye not healing at the pace initially expected, the Springbok opted to undergo surgery on an ongoing knee issue and will not return to play this season.
It has not been confirmed when Kleyn is likely to get back to full fitness and it could scupper his hopes of featuring for the Springboks during the mid-year Tests against Ireland and Portugal.
The Kleyn setback leaves both Munster and the Springboks short in the lock stocks, with RG Snyman (chest/shoulder) also currently sidelined through injury.
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SPRINGBOKS AND MUNSTER SECOND ROWER JEAN KLEYN
