Springboks: World Cup winner recalled after Boks suffer ‘sad’ injury blow ahead of Scotland showdown

Lock Jean Kleyn has been recalled to the Springboks squad for the first time since the Rugby World Cup.

The 31-year-old will link up with Rassie Erasmus’ squad on Friday ahead of the clash with Scotland at Murrayfield on the weekend following an injury to Ruan Nortje.

Nortje has been ruled out for the entire November internationals after suffering a leg injury in training on Wednesday and Erasmus has turned to the Munster veteran to fill his void.

Nortje sidelined

Kleyn came off the bench to earn his seventh Test cap for the Springboks in the Rugby World Cup Final victory over New Zealand in France last year. However, he has not featured for the Boks since after sustaining an eye injury that saw him miss the remainder of Munster’s 2023/24 URC season.

He made his return for Munster in September and will now look to earn his eighth cap for the Springboks with clashes against Scotland, England and Wales this November.

“It’s sad to lose Ruan to injury, as he’s had a fantastic season and really made a strong statement after injuries initially prompted his call-up to the squad,” said Erasmus.

“He certainly grabbed the opportunity with both hands, and we wish him luck with his recovery.”

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“Ruan’s injury opens the door for Jean”

Nortje was initially overlooked for the Springboks squad in July but earned a call-up during a lock crisis ahead of the Rugby Championship. The Bulls’ second-rower impressed throughout the tournament for the Boks with RG Snyman and Franco Mostert both sidelined and retained his place in the squad for the November tour.

Meanwhile, Erasmus said that he was excited to have Kleyn back in the mix after the powerful lock played a key role in South Africa’s successful 2023.

“Ruan’s injury opens the door for Jean to make a return to the national squad for the first time this season, and judging by his performances for Munster since making a comeback to the Vodacom URC combined with his familiarity of our structures and being a regular in our team last season, we are excited to welcome him back,” Erasmus added.

“He’s also played with most of the players in the squad and is familiar with the conditions in the UK as he’s based in Ireland, so he should slot in with ease.”

Erasmus will name his matchday team to face Scotland on Friday.

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Updated Springboks squad

Forwards: Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Jean Kleyn Franco Mostert, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Elrigh Louw, Cameron Hanekom, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese

Backs: Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, Jordan Hendrikse, Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie

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