O’Mahoney backs Kleyn's Ireland call-up
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Munster captain Peter O’Mahony feels an in-form Jean Kleyn could be a perfect fit for Joe Schmidt’s Ireland in the years to come.
The South African lock, who joined Munster in 2016, recently extended his contract until 2022, will be eligible for Ireland in 2019 after passing the three-year residency rule.
Thus far, the former Stormers player has shown his prowess and managed to establish himself as an important facet during his 42 appearance for Munster, which could make him a vital part for Ireland’s World Cup 2019 campaign.
“Jean will know better than anyone it’s up to how well he plays and his performance,” Munster captain Peter O’Mahony told Rugbypass at the European Cup launched when asked if Kleyn could be a bolter to make Ireland’s World Cup in Japan.
“He is that kind of guy, pragmatic and a diligent guy with his gym. He knows how important his performances are and if he is ambitious and he performs the way he has been the last 18 months or two years I have no doubt he is international quality,”
Meanwhile, Ireland are in great danger of losing one of their best playmakers following the 2019 World CUp.
The Munster scrumhalf Conor Murray is out of contract after the end of the 2019 and would certainly be in demand if he decides to go further afield.
However, Murray’s teammate Johnny Sexton has urged the star to not leave Ireland and turn down any overtures from overseas.
“Conor will be a wanted man I presume,” Sexton said.
“I was reading that he was staying and signing the best contract ever by a British or Irish player, so I hope that’s true, rather than the other moving abroad.
“He is a big part of the Ireland team, he is a huge part and hopefully he will stay here. The way he is looked after here and the way he is admired by everyone across the country I think hopefully he will stay,”
