Munster set to replace Jean Kleyn with overseas signing
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Replacement.
Munster Rugby look set to enter the overseas market to replace the outgoing Jean Kleyn, after it was announced that the South African lock will join Gloucester next season.
Now in his 10th season at the province, Kleyn has had a huge impact on the club and will go down as one of the province’s most successful overseas signings.
To date, he has made 160 appearances for the province, scoring 15 tries.
The towering second-row joined the province in 2016 and made his competitive debut for Munster against Scarlets before making his European debut for the club against Leicester Tigers later that season.
His exit will leave a big hole for Munster to fill, and defence coach Denis Leamy has confirmed that they will likely look overseas to replace him.
“I think that’s definitely an option,” Leamy said when asked about looking overseas for Kleyn’s replacement.
“Whether it’s something that Ian Costello and Clayton McMillan will look at, I’m not entirely sure as they’ll look after that, but certainly it allows flexibility around that space.
“We obviously would have liked JK to stay, but JK has to do what’s best for his family and for his future. I think that’s where it’s landed now.
“Unfortunately, the evolution of squads, players have great careers, but eventually there comes a time when these decisions have to be made.
“JK has been an incredible servant to Munster over the last 10 years. I think when he arrived first, he was an unknown, but he’s gone on to become a household name.
“He’s left the jersey in a much better place. He’s been a phenomenal player for Munster.”
