Mouth-watering salary offered to World Cup-winning Springbok
LEINSTER have reportedly offered Springboks lock RG Snyman a lucrative contract to make the move from Munster next season. Munster have confirmed that the Rugby World Cup winner will depart the side at the end of the campaign.
The 28-year-old has played just 10 games for Munster, with injuries significantly hampering his availability.
He returned to full fitness in time to star for South Africa during the Rugby World Cup, scoring a crucial try in the semi-final against England but has been sidelined for Munster after sustaining an injury in the final.
Despite his lack of game time at club level, teams have lined up to secure his services from next season, with multiple South African United Rugby Championship teams expressing their interest and Bath.
However, Rugby Pass reports that Leinster's offer blew all other suitors out of the water, offering him a contract worth €500 000 (R10 million) a season.
While the Premiership budgets are increasing next season, there will be a reduction in the number of marquee players from two to one.
It is understood that Finn Russell is currently Bath's marquee player, making it difficult for the Premiership side to compete.
Leinster boss Leo Cullen remained coy when questioned about the rumours around the Munster fan favourite.
“We'll be the first to let you know, but, at the moment, it's not where our attention is, and that is out of respect for all different parties as well,” he said ahead of their game against Sale Sharks.
Replacing one Springbok with
another
It is understood that Munster were keen to retain Snyman's services beyond this season, but once Jean Kleyn switched Test allegiances back to South Africa, they would have to decide between the pair.
Leinster are well covered in the second-row with Irish internationals James Ryan, Joe McCarthy and Ryan Baird on their books, as well as Springbok Jason Jenkins.
However, reports in South Africa state that the Sharks are closing in on a deal with Jenkins, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
Snyman is set to fill the void left by Jenkins, who ironically also moved to Leinster from Munster and endured an injury-laden stint with the latter.
If the 34-Test cap lock does make the switch to Leinster, he will link up with former Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber. — Planetrugby