RG Snyman said the opportunity to stay in Ireland where he has made a home for his family swayed him to join Leinster next season rather than pursue other opportunities.

After it was confirmed that the Springbok second row would leave Munster at the end of the currency campaign, Bath Rugby reportedly led the chase to sign him. However, much like with England winger Henry Arundell, who chose to sign a contract extension with Racing 92 rather than move to the club of his youth, the Blue, Black, and White have lost out on their target as head coach Johann van Graan continues to pursue adding top end international stars to his squad.

At six feet nine inches tall and more than eighteen stone, Lock Snyman, 28, has won 34 caps for his nation and has taken home the Webb Ellis Trophy.

Despite a terrible injury record since moving to Ireland, last season he was part of the Munster squad that won the URC title against the Stormers in Cape Town.

Explaining his decision to join Leinster, Snyman said: “Having settled really well in Limerick since our arrival in Ireland almost four years ago, my wife and I want to stay on in Ireland if possible. Continuing with Munster Rugby beyond June of 2024, was no longer a choice I could exercise. I will continue to give my absolute all and best for Munster, on and off the field, until the end of the season. After careful consideration of all offers presented, the Leinster opportunity was the one I decided on. It is an invitation that allows me to continue to stay part of a world class high performance rugby set-up. It also enables my wife and I to stay in Ireland.

“I play rugby professionally. To ensure that I contribute value to any system that has faith in me enough to advance its goals, I must put in a great deal of effort. I will continue to be pushed to the absolute maximum at Leinster in an effort to elevate both myself and, ideally, the team. That will be my only responsibility, and I’ll do all in my power to fulfill it to the best of my abilities.I am really appreciative of the chance to work with Jacques Nienaber once more. I express my gratitude to Leinster for making it possible.

Despite Van Graan missing out on bringing Synman to the Rec he remained full of praise for the powerful second row talking to The Rugby Pod this week, he said: “He is one of the best players I have coached. He was at the same school I was and he is a phenomenal athlete. The things he can do with ball in hand are incredible and I don’t think the world have seen the best of him yet. Talentwise he is one of the best I have coached.

“All I can say is wherever he goes, whichever team takes him, they are lucky to have him. On top of that he is an incredible human being. I have got the utmost respect for RG and wherever he goes I wish him the best.”