Kleyn a long shot for Japan
JEAN KLEYN was not part of Ireland’s recent training camp and, as it stands, is not factored into the planning for next year’s World Cup. Recent speculation suggested the giant South African (who qualifies under the residency rules next summer, in time for the 2019 tournament) would feature during Ireland’s four-game warm-up schedule with an eye to bringing him to Japan. Irish rugby’s first ‘project’ player, Richardt Strauss, was brought into Ireland camp in the spring of 2012, several months before the hooker qualified for Ireland and won the first of 17 caps against his native South Africa that November. However, the IRFU have confirmed that the 6ft8in, 19-stone Kleyn was not part of the 50-man camp in Carton House last month. Since joining Munster in 2016, the former Western Province and Stormers second row has impressed with his physical style and was this week likened to legendary Springbok enforcer Bakkies Botha by former Munster and Ireland flanker Alan Quinlan. However, the World Cup planning process is well underway and, unless there are extreme circumstances, Ireland are likely to trust in a squad of players who have proven themselves at international level. An outstanding season for Munster, or an injury crisis, could potentially bring Kleyn into the picture but, as things stand, it is understood that Ireland are looking to their established frontline trio of James Ryan, Devin Toner and Iain Henderson — with the likes of Tadhg Beirne and Ultan Dillane also in the mix for the plane to Japan.