Springboks lock RG Snyman has hailed Munster for getting him back to full fitness ahead of South Africa’s Rugby World Cup title defence.
The powerful second-rower endured a troublesome injury run after coming off the bench for the Springboks in their 2019 Rugby World Cup final success against England.
In 2020, he joined Munster and ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee seven minutes into his debut against Leinster.
It went from bad to worse for the talented forward, who then spent more than a year on the sidelines after also suffering from burn wounds sustained during a fire-pit accident before making a return in October 2022.
He notched up a few appearances off the bench before re-rupturing the same ligaments in a United Rugby Championship clash with the Scarlets.
A tough journey
Snyman has seemingly got over his injury concerns, but reflecting back on the past four years, ahead of the Springboks clash with Scotland, he paid tribute to the Irish province for sticking by him.
“It was a tough journey to be on, but through all of it I’ve learnt a lot,” he said.
“I must give credit to Munster for looking after me and continuing to look after me because people can give up on you quite easily in this line of work.
“But credit to them for getting me back and back in the Springboks squad. It’s special to be back.”
The 28-year-old returned to the Green and Gold jersey in South Africa’s first Test of the year against Australia and featured throughout the Rugby Championship, making appearances against New Zealand and Argentina.
However, it was only until the Boks tackled Wales in Cardiff that Snyman played a full 80 minutes, his first full game for his country since the 2019 Rugby World Cup pool stages.
“It was my first 80 minutes since 2019 when I got injured,” Snyman said.
“For the Springboks, the last time I played 80 was against Canada at the previous World Cup, so it’s been a while. It was a special milestone for me to get through.”
How special the Springbok jersey is
Snyman added that his spell on the sidelines has brought an added appreciation for the Bok jersey.
“The big thing I’ve learnt is you’re always desperate to be part of the Springboks and to wear the jersey, but it’s only when it’s taken away from you that you realise how special it is,” he said.
The expectations for South Africa to perform are always high, but Snyman is excited about what this squad can do.
“As a squad, I don’t think we’ve been as determined and as close going into a tournament [as this one], so there’s exciting things ahead if we can stick together,” he added.
Snyman has been named amongst the replacements for South Africa’s Rugby World Cup 2023 opener against Scotland on Sunday.
READ MORE: Faf de Klerk hits 50 for Springboks while Damian Willemse gets the nod for Scotland clash
The article Springboks lock credits Munster for ‘special’ return after ‘tough journey’ appeared first on Planetrugby.com.
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