Gloucester have announced the signing of Springboks lock Jean Kleyn, who will join the PREM side from United Rugby Championship (URC) outfit Munster ahead of 2026\/27.<\/p>\n
The experienced second-row boasts a wealth of experience at the highest level of the game, representing both Ireland (residency) and South Africa (birth) at international level.<\/p>\n
Kleyn won the 2023 World Cup with the Springboks<\/a> and enjoyed URC success with Munster<\/a> during Graham Rowntree\u2019s reign and will be a welcome new arrival at Gloucester<\/a>.<\/p>\n Winning mentality<\/p>\n Renowned for his physicality, work-rate, and leadership, the 6\u20198\u2033 32-year-old second-row is set to offer significant quality and depth to the Gloucester pack from next season.<\/p>\n Director of rugby George Skivington is delighted with the signing of the experienced forward and thinks his mentality will be \u201cinvaluable\u201d to the Cherry and Whites engine room.<\/p>\n \u201cJean is a player I have admired for a long time. He brings real edge, experience, and a winning mentality, which will be invaluable for our group,\u201d Skivington said on Tuesday.<\/p>\n \u201cHis physical presence and professionalism will raise standards across the squad, and we\u2019re excited to welcome him to Kingsholm.\u201d<\/p>\n Rugby transfers: Springbok snubs Top 14 giants, Sale target moves, Du Preez\u2019s decision and the coaching roundabout<\/a><\/p>\n Loose Pass: Time to penalise \u2018unsporting\u2019 behaviour while Toulouse fall foul of Stoke analogy again<\/a><\/p>\n Speaking on the move, Kleyn added: \u201cI\u2019m thrilled to be joining Gloucester Rugby next season. It\u2019s a club with incredible history and a passionate fan base, and the vision shared with me really matched what I was looking for in the next chapter of my career.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t wait to get started, meet the supporters, and give everything I have for this team.\u201d<\/p>\n Kleyn will link up with the PREM<\/a> outfit in the summer, as preparations begin for the new campaign.<\/p>\n Munster reaction<\/p>\n The Springbok is currently in his 10th season at Munster and made his 100th appearance for the province in January 2022 and currently has played 160 matches for them.<\/p>\n Munster Rugby General Manager Ian Costello said: \u201cJean is an exceptional character and represents everything that is good about Munster. JK has had an immeasurable impact on Munster Rugby both on and off the pitch since joining the province 10 years ago.<\/p>\n \u201cA complete professional, JK is a hugely popular member of the squad and I know he will be hugely missed by the playing group and all of those who work with him on a daily basis.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will wish him and his family all the best and as a group we will be highly motivated to ensure this season is a successful and memorable one for JK and his family.\u201d<\/p>\n Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list<\/a> for world-class coverage you can trust.<\/p>\n