Jean Kleyn Sidelined from Springbok Squad Due to Injury

Springbok lock Jean Kleyn has been ruled out of the Springbok squad travelling to Johannesburg for the opening match of the Castle Lager Incoming Series, after sustaining an injury during the team’s 54-7 victory over the Barbarians at DHL Stadium on Saturday.

Kleyn, who started the match alongside Lood de Jager in the second row, will return to his Irish club Munster to recover and begin rehabilitation.

The Springboks made their way from Cape Town to Johannesburg on Sunday as they shift focus to their first Test of the series against Italy at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday, 5 July.

The Boks will meet Italy again the following week at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, before closing out the series against Georgia at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Saturday, 19 July.

“We feel for Jean,” said Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, “but injuries are part of the game, and we are fortunate to have good depth at lock within the squad, so there is no need for us to replace him at this stage.”

The Springboks had Sunday off to travel and recover from their clash against the Barbarians and will begin on-field preparations on Monday ahead of their first official Test match of the season.