RG Snyman set for Munster return next month as Graham Rowntree gives squad update

There were fears that Snyman, who turned 29 on Monday, would miss the bulk of Munster’s season after undergoing surgery for a chest/shoulder injury picked up winning his second World Cup medal.

An updated return date of March emerged over Christmas but Munster head coach Graham Rowntree today said they hope to have the 6’9” lock back in February, either against Scarlets on the 16th or in the friendly away to Harlequins a week later.

Snyman, who is joining Leinster in the summer after an injury-ravaged spell that has seen him play just ten games since his debut in 2020, has not played for Munster since coming on in the URC final win over the Stormers last May.

“He trained today,” said Rowntree. “His return is going to be a bit sooner potentially than the Zebre game. I think we’ll see him in February, exactly when I’m not sure. He’s certainly encouraging me, he’s doing a lot more in training.”

Rowntree said they have all come to terms with Snyman’s shock move to Leinster next summer and that it’s a matter now of what he can do for Munster for the remainder of the season as they try to defend their URC crown as well as meet Northampton Saints in the last 16 of the Champions Cup.

“What’s done is done, this is business,” added Rowntree. “He’s made his decision, I’m interested to see what he does for Munster for the rest of the season. I’m sure he’ll give it his all.

“He’s been thoroughly professional and diligent around the group since his news broke and I expect nothing less from the guy, he’s been quality for us.”

Meanwhile, Rowntree refused to be drawn on who the next Munster captain will be or when an announcement might be made.

“I’ll do it when I’m ready. I have various people in mind, I’ll make that decision when I’m ready,” he added.

He is currently preparing his squad for Saturday’s clash with Crusaders in front of a sell-out 40,885 crowd at Páirc Uí Chaoimh when former Munster coach Rob Penney will bring his Super Rugby champions to Cork.

Aside from the players in Irish camp — some of whom may be made available once the Irish side is selected — Rowntree is without several key players with John Hodnett ruled out until the end of March.

“He damaged his finger, we only x-rayed it after the game. Turns out it’s not quite right, which is a shame ‘cos his form has been excellent.”

Rowntree said they would not rush back Tom Ahern following his head injury against Northampton.

“No, I’m not going to rush Tom. He’s following concussion protocols. We’ll assess his availability but I’m not going to mess around. As big a game as this is for the club, I’m not going to mess around. He’s been that important for us.”

Meanwhile, scrum-half Paddy Patterson looks like being sidelined until next season with a knee injury.

“He’s in for surgical review next week. Inevitably, I think they’ll do something there. We probably won’t see Paddy for the rest of the season, he’s been desperately unlucky,” added the Munster head coach.