RG Snyman to miss start of URC season

Springboks secondrow RG Snyman will miss the start of Munster's URC season it has been revealed.

The 27-year-old 2019 World Cup winner has endured a dreadful time with injury since joining the Irish province two years ago.

Snyman initially tore his ACL just seven minutes into his Munster debut away to Leinster at the Aviva Stadium after he landed heavily on the floor after stealing lineout ball in August 2020.

It took 13 months for him to return to the field but it sadly proved a short-lived return to action. The 6'9 Bok re-ruptured his ACL in just his third match back, away to Scarlets in September, 2021.

Three weeks ago it seemed that Snyman might make it back in time for the opening rounds of the season but Munster have now dashed those hopes.

In a statement Munster said: "As RG Snyman’s reintegration to team training continues after a lengthy lay-off, the lock is not available for the opening rounds of the season."

Snyman will be hoping that a strong showing in the URC could help earn him a place in Jacques Nienaber Springboks World Cup squad for France, although South Africa are relatively well stocked in the second row department - traditionally a positon of strength for the Rainbow Nation.

Such are Snyman's abilities, it is not impossible that he could yet force his way back into a settled Bok squad, although a return to the field and full fitness will obviously be non-negotiables.

There is good news elsewhere in that new signing Antoine Frisch - who has a shoulder injury - has joined full team training.

There is also a return to training for two Ireland internationals. "Dave Kilcoyne (neck) and Liam Coombes (toe) have both returned to full team training after recovering from their respective injuries.

"John Hodnett (knee) is also nearing a return as he increases his training load."

Andrew Conway and Jack Daly - both having sustained knee injuries - continue to rehabilitate.