Munster to sign Stormers secondrow Jean Kleyn, reports

Giant 22-year-old South African lock would become province’s fourth summer signing

Munster are to sign giant South Africa lock Jean Kleyn, according to reports. Photograph: Getty
Munster are to sign giant South Africa lock Jean Kleyn, according to reports. Photograph: Getty

Stormers secondrow Jean Kleyn is set to move to Munster, according to reports in South Africa.

SuperSport have revealed 45 players are leaving South Africa after this year’s Super Rugby competition to ply their trade overseas, and among them is 22-year-old Kleyn.

Kleyn's move to Munster would see him join up with the province's new director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and defence coach Jacques Nienaber, both of whom have previously been involved in the Stormers set-up.

If Kleyn does move to Thomond Park he would be Munster's fourth signing of the summer after Sam Arnold, John Andress and Darren O'Shea, and at six foot eight would offer an added dimension to the province's engine room.

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Erasmus has been tasked with returning Munster to the top table of European rugby after a disappointing 2016/17 campaign which saw them finish sixth in the Pro 12 and exit the Champions Cup after the group stages.

On Wednesday they were handed a difficult draw for next season’s Champions Cup, and will play Ronan O’Gara’s Racing 92, Glasgow Warriors and Leicester Tigers.

Leicester are another side who are welcoming a South African to their ranks, with Boks winger JP Pietersen joining the English Premiership side on a three-year deal.