Paul O'Connell has revealed that Munster's Jean Kleyn was on close to being called up for the Irish Rugby World Cup training squad, before the second row ultimately switched his international allegiance to play for South Africa.
In 2019, Kleyn earned five caps for Ireland after qualifying through the residency rules. but chose to represent his native South Africa, three years after having a Test match appearance for Ireland.
Kleyn will win his second cap for the Springboks in the Rugby Championship this weekend when they play Argentina in a World Cup warm-up, but his choice of jersey could have been different this year.
"He was very close," said O'Connell
O'Connell praised his experience, having been coached by various staff members at Munster.
Jean Kleyn: I never grew up wanting Paul O Connels jersey. I grew up watching Bakkies Botha and wanting that jersey. pic.twitter.com/ehCzz5VeC1
— Brenden Nel (@Brendennel) July 5, 2023
"He's very experienced now, experienced different coaching staffs with Munster. He was part of a really successful Munster team this year and he does what he does really well."
He emphasised that Kleyn's performance on the field was exceptional, particularly as a mauler and maul-defender. Over the past few years, Kleyn's ball-handling and defensive skills had seen significant improvement.
He’s an excellent mauler, excellent maul-defender. I think his ball-handling and his defence has improved massively now in the last few years," he added.
Playing for Munster, Kleyn appeared comfortable and confident. The team's forwards were tasked with greater responsibilities during the year, and Kleyn rose to the challenge seamlessly.
"He looked very comfortable playing for Munster. The forwards were asked a little bit more of them this year and he was very comfortable.
"It was close, it was tight, I suppose some of the guys we had in the squad already, we felt we’d invested a good bit in them already, they were a little bit younger, they were quite big men as well in their own right."
Ireland's game against Italy will kick-off at 8pm this coming Saturday
Ireland's Rugby World Cup warm-up games
- Italy (August 5)
- England (August 19)
- Samoa (August) 26)
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