Jean Kleyn hopes his strong start at Gloucester will catch Rassie Erasmus’ attention when the Springbok coach names his Nations Championship squad on Monday.
The 33-year-old lock missed the southern hemisphere leg after rupturing a biceps tendon in April, but has impressed for Gloucester, who currently top the English Premiership log and held Investec Champions Cup holders Bordeaux Bègles to a 36-36 draw last Friday.
“I came over [from Munster] with the mindset of wanting to help in whatever way I could and it’s been an immensely positive experience,” Kleyn told Planet Rugby.
“We’re in no way the finished product, by no means are we perfect, but we’ve got a lot of intent around everything we do. You saw that against Bordeaux.
“We’re really eager to make something happen this season. And hopefully I can impress the [Springbok] coaches enough to get another nod and make myself a contender for [the World Cup] next year. I’d also love to be involved this autumn.”
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Kleyn earned five Test caps for his adopted nation, Ireland, in 2019 before making his Springbok debut in 2023.
“It’s very tough to encapsulate what the Springbok jersey means to me,” he said. “It’s more than just international rugby, that jersey means everything to people that never get the chance to wear it, because the Springboks are a team that truly unites the nation.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Kleyn eyes Springbok recall appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Jean Kleyn hopes his strong start at Gloucester will catch Rassie Erasmus’ attention when the Springbok coach names his Nations Championship squad on Monday.
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