VIDEO: Rowntree's revealing statement on Jean Kleyn injury
World Cup[-winning Springbok lock has not been ruled out of the July Test series against Ireland – not yet.
This is the morsel of good news shared by Munster coach Graham Rowntree.
Speaking on a media briefing ahead of their United Rugby Championship encounter with the Lions, at Ellis Park on Saturday, he moved to allay fears over the eye injury.
The 30-year-old, who made his Bok debut in the build-up to last year’s World Cup in France after representing Ireland at the 2019 event, suffered an injury while playing for Munster in the URC in November.
That was his first game back for the province, having played a crucial role for South Africa as they won a record fourth World Cup crown – beating the All Blacks 12-11 in the Final in Paris in October.
At the time of the injury in November, Munster ruled him out until the New Year.
However, that soon became ‘for the rest of the season’./
Last week, as it was revealed that he had gone to see a specialist in America, speculation surfaced that the injury may be even more serious that Munster had let on.
However, Rowntree cleared up the situation from the team’s training base in Cape Town.
“There has been a bit said about Jean Kleyn’s eye injury,” Rowntree said.
“He has been to America and we are very happy with the plan for him going forward.”
Rowntree, when asked by @rugby365com for clarity, said Kleyn would be available again for Munster next season.
(WATCH as Munster coach Graham Rowntree gives an insightful update on World Cup-winning Springbok Jean Kleyn’s eye injury.…)
He was a little less certain if Kleyn’s comeback would be in time to feature for the Springboks in the two-Test July series against Ireland.
“It could, it could be, yeah,” the Munster coach said, adding: “I never thought about that.
“Crikey, thanks for reminding me.
“There was a bit of confusion in the Irish media that his eye injury may be worse than suggested, but no, he has seen a specialist in America, and he and we are very happy with the plan going forward.
“He will be available for next season.
“When that next season starts, I can’t tell you exactly.”
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