RG Snyman’s time with Munster unlikely to end early as he’s set to escape ban for high tackle on Will Addison
RG Snyman scores Munster's first try during the URC match at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
RG Snyman is expected to escape any sanction for his high tackle on Will Addison in the early stages of Saturday’s URC win over Ulster.
The South African appeared to make contact with the former Ireland international’s head as he carried the ball out, and having reviewed the footage on the big screen with television match official Andrew Brace, referee Frank Murphy decided it only warranted a penalty.
Former Munster, Connacht and Leicester Tigers scrum-half Murphy argued the incident did not merit a card because it didn’t have a high degree of danger and there was mitigation because Addison was dropping into contact.
Citing commissioner Joy Neville will review the incident, but at this point, it appears unlikely Snyman will face a ban that could prematurely end his time at the province and even affect his participation against Ireland in South Africa this summer.
Meanwhile, Munster supremo Graham Rowntree said Snyman’s compatriot, Thaaki Abrahams, will be a big addition next season.
“We’ve done our research on him,” he said. “A bit of a left-field signing, but not for us. Ian Costello, who is our head of rugby operations, is involved in recruitment now with myself and Philip Quinn, and he did a lot of research.
“We’ve been looking for a quality back-three signing but we’ve the diligence about the ability to settle in Limerick and fit in with the squad. We were speaking to his school rugby coaches, the people that have worked with him, that’s the diligence we’ve gone into.
“I think he’ll be brilliant for us.”
Abrahams will come in as a direct replacement for the retiring Simon Zebo.
“‘Zeebs’, what more does he have to prove?” Rowntree asked.
“If you come to the end of your game and you can finish on your terms, then it’s a big deal. And look at the way he’s playing. He’s going to finish on his terms.
“He’s a great energy around the group. It’s not a question of you know he’s in the room, you know he’s in the building, you know he’s in Limerick.
“He’s a legend. I wouldn’t use that word loosely, he’s going out on his terms.”
Antoine Frisch could return from injury for Friday’s quarter-final against Ospreys and, like Zebo and Snyman, he’s in his final countdown in red having been bought out of his contract by Toulon.
