Jean Kleyn to leave Munster in favour of Gloucester

Munster have confirmed South African secondrow Jean Kleyn has agreed a three-year contract with Gloucester and will join the English Premiership side this summer.

The 32-year-old, who had been offered a contract extension by the province, is currently in his 10th season with Munster, making 160 appearances to date and scoring 15 tries.

He made his competitive debut for Munster against Scarlets in September 2016 before making his European debut for the club against Leicester Tigers later that season.

He made 13 appearances in his debut campaign before a neck injury ruled him out for the remainder of the season. In his second season with the province, Kleyn was nominated by his fellow players for Munster’s player of the season.

His performances were recognised further when he was called in to train with the Ireland squad ahead of the 2019 World Cup, and he made his Ireland debut against Italy in August 2019 before going on to represent Ireland at the tournament in Japan.

Kleyn earned his 100th cap for Munster against Zebre in January 2022 and started a remarkable 24 games during the 2022/23 campaign, culminating in their URC triumph against the Stormers in Cape Town.

His excellent form was recognised once again at international level when he was called up to the Springboks squad in 2023 for the Rugby Championship and World Cup.

Paying tribute to Kleyn, Munster Rugby’s general manager Ian Costello said: “Jean is an exceptional character and represents everything that is good about Munster. JK has had an immeasurable impact on Munster Rugby both on and off the pitch since joining the province 10 years ago.

“A complete professional, JK is a hugely popular member of the squad, and I know he will be hugely missed by the playing group and all of those who work with him.

“We will wish him and his family all the best and as a group we will be highly motivated to ensure this season is a successful and memorable one for JK and his family.”

Kleyn will be available for Munster’s final Champions Cup pool match against Castres at Thomond Park on Saturday (kick-off 5.30pm) having recovered from a calf injury.

Meanwhile, Craig Casey has not yet been ruled out for Saturday’s game as he continues to be monitored for a should injury he sustained during last weekend’s defeat to Toulon.

While not as bad as first feared, the scrumhalf damaged his A/C joint and therefore may not feature against Castres. Ethan Coughlan is likely to make his first European start for Munster while academy prospect Jake O’Riordan will be on the bench.

Sharing an update on Casey’s injury, Munster defence coach Denis Leamy clarified: “We were very worried after the (Toulon) game, but I think it’s relatively good news. That doesn’t mean he’ll play this weekend, obviously, he’s got a significant injury to his AC, but hopefully it’s not going to be too long term.”

A statement from the province confirmed: “Craig Casey (shoulder) and Diarmuid Barron (knee) are both being assessed with their availability to be determined later in the week.”

Tom Ahern’s availability for this weekend, having missed the trip to France with a neck issue, will be determined over the next couple of days.

Head coach Clayton McMillan will also have Oli Jager at his disposal, but will be without scrumhalf Paddy Paterson (head) and winger Calvin Nash (shoulder/head).

Patterson took a blow in the warm-up ahead of last weekend’s defeat in Toulon while Nash was forced off late-on in the match.

Meanwhile, Leinster have confirmed a revised date for their URC clash against Scarlets in March.

The match had originally been set for Saturday, March 28th, with no venue confirmed when the season’s fixture details were announced last May.

On Tuesday, the province confirmed the fixture will instead be played a day earlier, on Friday, March 27th at the Aviva Stadium with a 7.45pm kick-off.

“Leinster Rugby extends its sincere gratitude to the URC for their flexibility and approval, the Aviva Stadium Board for their accommodation, Scarlets Rugby for their co-operation in accommodating this change, and both the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) for their support in facilitating this rearrangement,” a statement from the province read.

It added information regarding tickets will be shared with season ticket holders and via Leinster Rugby’s official channels in the coming days.

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