South Africa's RG Snyman: World Cup winner to join Leinster from Irish rivals Munster

South African two-time World Cup winner RG Snyman will join Leinster ahead of the 2024-25 season.

It was announced in November that second row Snyman would leave Munster at the end of the current campaign.

The 28-year-old's time in Limerick has been hindered by injuries since sustaining ACL damage on his debut after joining the province in 2020.

Snyman only played six times last season for Munster as they secured the United Rugby Championship title.

He played an important role from the bench in the Springboks' World Cup success last month but is currently out with a shoulder injury.

"Having settled really well in Limerick since our arrival in Ireland almost four years ago, my wife and I want to stay on in Ireland if possible," Snyman said.

"Continuing with Munster Rugby beyond June of 2024 was no longer a choice I could exercise. I will continue to give my absolute all and best for Munster, on and off the field, until the end of the season.

"After careful consideration of all offers presented, the Leinster opportunity was the one I decided on. It is an invitation that allows me to continue to stay part of a world-class high performance rugby set-up. It also enables my wife and I to stay in Ireland.

"At Leinster, I will continue to be challenged to my utmost limit to improve my game and hopefully contribute to improve the club. That will be my only job and I intend to do everything to achieve this at the highest level of performance."

Snyman added that he is "extremely grateful" to have a chance to work with South Africa's World Cup-winning head coach Jacques Nienaber, who joined Leinster as senior coach following the Boks' triumph in France.

Munster host Leinster in the United Rugby Championship on Boxing Day (19:35 GMT) at Thomond Park with Leinster having won 21-16 when the sides met in Dublin last month.

This article originally appeared on BBC News.