Jean Kleyn
Springbok assistant coach Daan Human and lock Jean Kleyn are preparing for an epic encounter against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday. Photo: SA Rugby website

Home » Road to the RWC | Springbok player profile: Jean Kleyn

Road to the RWC | Springbok player profile: Jean Kleyn

As part of our build-up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, we continue to profile each player in the Springboks’ squad. Next up: Jean Kleyn.

05-09-23 19:20
Jean Kleyn
Springbok assistant coach Daan Human and lock Jean Kleyn are preparing for an epic encounter against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday. Photo: SA Rugby website

As one of only a select few who can say they’ve gone on to represent two different countries at a Rugby World Cup, Jean Kleyn is one of Springbok rugby’s most unconventional players to date.

He may not feature in South Africa’s starting XV, but Ireland-turned-Springbok lock Jean Kleyn is set to play a pivotal role for the reigning world champions.

The 30-year-old had previously earned five Test caps for the Ireland, including several appearances at the 2019 RWC. But the abrasive lock’s playing style fits perfectly with the Springboks’ forward-orientated brand of rugby, meaning he could well have a better performance output for South Africa than Ireland at the Rugby World Cup.

Below we highlight some key information about the 27-year-old in our ongoing player profile series.

LIVE UPDATES: SPRINGBOKS’ ROAD TO THE RUGBY WORLD CUP

PROFILE: JEAN KLEYN

Name: Jean Kleyn

Born: 26 August 1992

Age: 30

School: Linden High

Position: Lock

Height: 2.3m

Weight: 121kg

Test debut: South Africa v Australia in Pretoria, 8 July 2023

Springbok no.: 932

Tests played: 4

Tries scored: 0

Current club team: Munster

Major teams: Ireland, Stormers, Western Province, Maties

All information correct as at 5 September 2023

SPRINGBOKS’ WORLD CUP FIXTURES:

Sunday, 10 September – Boks v Scotland (Stade Velodrome, Marseille), 5:45pm
Sunday, 17 September – Boks v Romania (Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux), 3pm
Saturday, 23 September – Boks v Ireland (Stade de France, Paris), 9pm
Sunday, 1 October – Boks v Tonga (Stade Velodrome, Marseille), 9pm

Weekend of 14/15 October – Quarter-finals
Weekend of 21/22 October – Semi-finals
Saturday, 28 October – Final

ALSO READ | World Rugby rankings and the Rugby World Cup 2023: Everything to know

Springboks Ireland lock
Springbok lock Jean Kleyn previously played for Ireland at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Photo: PA and www.independent.ie.

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