Major boost for Munster as World Cup winner Jean Kleyn passed fit for start of the season
Springbok lock Jean Kleyn is ready to start the season for Munster. Photo: Sportsfile
Munster will have Jean Kleyn back on deck for the new season in what is a major lift to the provinces ahead of the URC campaign.
The World Cup winning lock missed most of last season after suffering a freak eye injury in the November derby defeat to Leinster.
Although there were rumours the injury might prove career threatening, Munster say that he was always going to return and now they welcome him back in time for Saturday’s opening URC game against Connacht at home.
Kleyn was a big loss to Graham Rowntree’s men in 2023/24 and his set-piece and contact work significantly strengthens their pack.
The Springbok, who also represented Ireland in 2019, will be keen to force his way back into international contention with a run of games before the November window. He’s unlikely to be recalled for next week’s Rugby Championship finale against Argentina.
Scrum-half Ethan Coughlan is back fit after picking up an injury against Bath, but former Connacht winger Diarmuid Kilgallen will miss the opening weeks of the campaign after injuring his leg.
Liam Coombes and Jack Daly are expected to come through the concussion protocols in time to be available for Connacht, while Dave Kilcoyne is nearing a return as he steps up his rehabilitation from a shoulder injury.
As well as Kilcoyne and Kilgallen, Munster start the season without Brian Gleeson (shoulder), Cian Hurley (knee), Tom Ahern (ankle), Rory Scannell (ankle), Paddy Patterson (knee), Edwin Edogbo (achilles) and Roman Salanoa (knee).