South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber has named his 40-man Rugby Championship training squad today, with the aim of making it 41 if an application to World Rugby comes through.
The 41st man in question is none other than Munster second-row Jean Kleyn, who is currently a shoe in for the province's player of the season, and the most in-form man to be left out of Ireland's World Cup training squad.
Kleyn initially qualified for Ireland through residency in 2019, having moved to Munster from the Stormers in 2016, and has featured five times for his adopted country, with his last caps coming in the 2019 World Cup.
However, World Rugby's Regulation 8 law means that players can switch country's if they have not played internationally for three years.
As Kleyn was born and bred, the Springboks have filed an application for his switch and inclusion in their squad, with a decision expected to be received soon.
South Africa Look To Bring Back Jean Kleyn
Hope Jean Kleyn hasn't got the Ireland Lineout calls!!! (change them to Irish!) https://t.co/VyGcbKwbXE
— Brett Igoe (@brettruganalyst) June 10, 2023
Kleyn is an international quality lock who should be playing international rugby and he’s dead right to explore other alternatives if he isn’t been given his dues by Ireland.
Kleyn is the player today that Farrell hopes McCarthy will be tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/cGeUsGaYhn— Jim Demps (@jim_demps) June 10, 2023
READ HERE: Watch: The Stormers Squad And Staff Went Mental Moments After Munster Beat Leinster
“It is great that we have been able to invite this group of players to the camp and we are excited to get back onto the field and to switch into international mode completely,” said Nienaber after announcing his squad.
“We hosted a string of alignment and preparation camps between February and last week, but this time we have the luxury of working with the domestic and overseas-based players and to spend time together as a wider squad daily.
“This will raise the quality of our training sessions as we will again be able to field full teams against one another, while also having a look at a big group of players as we prepare for a challenging Castle Lager Rugby Championship campaign and 2023 season.
“Our medical team will also have more time to work directly with the players nursing injuries and to monitor their progress and rehabilitation as the Test matches draw nearer.”
SEE ALSO: Report: IRFU In Talks With RFU With View To Saving London Irish
