Rowntree targets Quins fixture for Snyman return

The lock is being pencilled in for Munster’s mid-Six Nations friendly at English Premiership side Harlequins at The Twickenham Stoop three weeks this Friday.

RG Snyman. Pic: ©INPHO/James Crombie

Graham Rowntree is hopeful RG Snyman could be back in action for Munster next month as the South African World Cup winner nears a comeback from shoulder and neck surgery.

The lock, who has not played since the Springboks’ World Cup final victory over New Zealand in Paris on October 31, is being pencilled in for Munster’s mid-Six Nations friendly at English Premiership side Harlequins at The Twickenham Stoop three weeks this Friday.

“We play Harlequins on February 23 at their place,” head coach Rowntree said yesterday. “We will see how he gets through this week. It certainly seems more promising than it has been.” 

Snyman, who is set to leave Munster at the end of the season and join Leinster, has been beset with injury problems since his 2020 move from Japan’s Honda Heat. His current lay-off follows two serious knee injuries that have restricted the 6ft 9ins lock to just 10 appearances for the province.

Yet on Tuesday, when Munster issued another deflating injury update in which John Hodnett, Paddy Patterson and Simon Zebo were ruled out of this Saturday’s marquee friendly with Super Rugby champions Crusaders at a sold-out Pairc Ui Chaoimh, the head coach had some upbeat news to share regarding Snyman.

“He trained today. His return is going to be a bit sooner potentially than the Zebre game (on March 1),” Rowntree said. “He’s certainly encouraging me, he’s doing a lot more in training.” 

Rowntree also praised Snyman’s attitude since returning from the World Cup and being told his contract would not be renewed at the end of the season, with the head coach preferring to retain his other World Cup-winning lock Jean Kleyn. 

Kleyn's return to South African status having represented Ireland in 2019, meant Munster had to choose between the two under IRFU player pathway rules restricting the number of non-Irish qualified (NIQ) players at each of the four provinces.

“He’s been thoroughly professional and diligent around the group since his news broke and I expect nothing less from the guy, he’s been quality for us.

“What’s done is done, this is business. He’s made his decision (to join Leinster). I’m interested to see what he does for Munster for the rest of the season. I’m sure he’ll give it his all.”