Despite living and playing in Ireland for the past five years, Springbok RG Snyman has no desire to represent the country.
The tallest player in the South African team is eligible to play for his adoptive country through residency.
SPRINGBOK RG SNYMAN ON OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY FOR IRELAND
Speaking on an episode of the Guinness Guru’s YouTube channel, host Daragh Curran asked RG Snyman if he would consider representing Ireland.
The Springbok – nicknamed the “Viking” – moved to Ireland in 2020 when he signed with the Munster Club. Last year, Snyman signed with the rival Irish club of Leinster. He has been living abroad for the past five years, making him eligible for residency.
“I presume you’re South Africa until you die?” he asked, to which Snyman responded: “All the way. No doubt about that”.
He added: “I always say to the guys here, this shade of green is just not right.”
Like many Springboks, RG Snyman plays for clubs abroad.
Others include:
- Franco Mostert, Faf de Klerk, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damien De Allende, and Kurt-Lee Arendse who all play for Japanese clubs.
- Jean Kleyn, who also plays for an Irish club.
- Handre Pollard – who has since signed with the Bulls– who plays in England, and Cobus Reinach, who plays for a French club.
‘WHY I WANTED TO STAY’
Speaking to the Irish Independent, RG Snyman says he signed to Leinster ahead of the 2024/2025 season as his family were “settled” in the country.
“I’m enjoying the culture in Ireland and the people . . . that’s why we really wanted to stay”, he added.
Snyman’s contract with Munster was not renewed, as the club had to choose between him and fellow Springbok Jean Kleyn because the province was prohibited from retaining two non-Irish qualified players in the same position.
Like RG Snyman, Kleyn qualified for residency after living and playing for an Irish club since 2016. In 2019, Kleyn was drafted to play for Ireland in the Rugby World Cup.
Kleyn made five test appearances for Ireland but switched over to SA’s Springboks after becoming eligible for his native country.
DO YOU THINK RG SNYMAN MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE IN PICKING SA OVER IRELAND?
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