SA Rugby has announced that former Irish international lock Jean Kleyn has been cleared for Springbok selection under new eligibility rules.
This after World Rugby on Thursday confirmed that the Johannesburg-born player had fulfilled the necessary ‘birthright transfer’ requirements.
“The regulation, which came into force at the start of 2022, allows for players to be selected for their country of birth (or of their parents’ or grandparents’ birth) once a period of at least 36 months has elapsed since the last selection for an adopted country,” SA Rugby said.
Kleyn, a former DHL Stormers and Western Province lock moved to Ireland in 2016 and qualified for selection for that country by residency in 2019.
He made five appearances for his adopted country but was not selected subsequently.
“Kleyn has been in camp with the Springbok Castle Lager Rugby Championship training squad and is now eligible for selection as early as next month when the Springboks’ 2023 season kicks off against Australia at Loftus Versfeld,” Saru said.
