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RG Snyman

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Rudolph Gerhardus Snyman (born 29 January 1995) is a South African rugby union player who plays as a lock for Irish United Rugby Championship club Leinster and the South Africa national team. Snyman was part of the South Africa team that won the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and 2023,[1] and is widely known as 'The Viking' among fans and teammates in reference to his appearance.[2][3]

RG Snyman
Snyman playing in 2017
Full nameRudolph Gerhardus Snyman
Date of birth (1995-01-29) 29 January 1995 (age 29)
Place of birthPotchefstroom, South Africa
Height2.06 m (6 ft 9 in)
Weight131 kg (20.6 st; 289 lb)
SchoolAfrikaanse Hoër Seunskool
Rugby union career
Position(s) Lock
Youth career
2008–2014 Blue Bulls
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2015–2016 Blue Bulls 22 (5)
2015–2019 Bulls 49 (10)
2017 Blue Bulls XV 1 (0)
2017–2020 Mie Honda Heat 19 (30)
2020–2024 Munster 20 (30)
2024– Leinster 3 (10)
Correct as of 15 June 2024
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2013 South Africa Schools 3 (0)
2015 South Africa Under-20 5 (0)
2016 South Africa 'A' 2 (0)
2016 Springbok XV 1 (0)
2017 World XV 1 (0)
2018– South Africa 37 (10)
Correct as of 01 September 2024
Medal record
Men's Rugby 15's
Representing  South Africa
Rugby World Cup
Gold medal – first place 2019 Japan Squad
Gold medal – first place 2023 France Squad

Youth

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Snyman represented the Blue Bulls from primary school level, when he played in the 2008 Under-13 Craven Week competition. He then represented them at the 2011 Under-16 Grant Khomo Week in East London, where he scored a try in their match against Boland.[4] Snyman also represented them at the 2013 Under-18 Craven Week tournament in Polokwane, where he made three appearances. After the tournament, Snyman was selected in the South Africa Schools team that played three matches against European counterparts in August 2013; he started their matches against England,[5] France,[6] and Wales,[7] helping them to victory in all three matches.

Club career

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Blue Bulls

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After secondary school, Snyman joined the Blue Bulls Academy and represented the Blue Bulls U19 side during the 2014 Under-19 Provincial Championship. He got off to a flying start for the U19s, scoring a try in their opening match of the season in a 29–17 victory over Eastern Province U19.[8] He eventually played in ten matches during the regular season, contributing one more try in their match against Free State U19[9] and helping them to finish top of the league to qualify to the semi-finals. He started both the semi-final – a 43–20 win against the Sharks U19[10] – and the final, which they lost 26–33 against the hosts Western Province U19 in Cape Town.[11]

In 2015, Snyman was included in the Bulls Super Rugby squad prior to the 2015 Super Rugby season[12] despite not having featured in any first class matches up to that point. However, he didn't get any game time and reverted to the Blue Bulls squad for the 2015 Vodacom Cup. He made his senior debut in the first match of that competition, a 37–13 victory over Gauteng rivals the Falcons in Kempton Park.[13] He also started their next three matches against the Leopards,[14] Golden Lions,[15] and Pumas.[16] In June 2015, he extended his contract at the Bulls until October 2017.[17]

Japanese league

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Snyman joined Japanese Top Challenge League side Mie Honda Heat for the 2017 Top Challenge League season,[18] where he suffered a knee injury that required surgery.[19] After the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where Snyman was a member of the victorious South African team, he returned to Japanese Top League side Mie Honda Heat.

Munster

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Snyman joined Irish United Rugby Championship side Munster, whose head coach was former Springboks forwards coach Johann van Graan at the time. Though his two-year contract with province didn't commence until 1 July 2020, Snyman arrived in Ireland in May 2020 following the cancellation of the remainder of the 2019–20 Top League due to Covid-19.[20][21] Snyman made his debut for Munster in their 27–25 defeat against Leinster on 22 August 2020, though his first appearance for the province lasted only 7 minutes after he suffered a torn ACL during a lineout.[22][23][24] Snyman was nearing a return from the injury, but suffered a setback during his rehabilitation that required minor surgery.[25] In a further blow, Snyman also sustained substantial burns following a firepit accident.[26]

Snyman made his long-awaited return from injury in Munster's opening 2021–22 United Rugby Championship fixture against the Sharks on 25 September 2021, coming on as a replacement for Fineen Wycherley in their 42–17 win against the South African side,[27] and scored his first try for the province one week later in their 34–18 win against the Stormers.[28] In what was only his third game back for Munster, and his fourth appearance overall for the province, Snyman suffered a re-rupture of his cruciate ligament ten minutes after coming on as a 51st minute replacement for Thomas Ahern in Munster's 43–13 win against Welsh side Scarlets on 10 October 2021, and endured another long spell out of the game.[29] Snyman signed a two-year contract extension with Munster in January 2022.[30]

After 17 months out, Snyman made his return from injury on 3 March 2023 when he came off the bench in Munster's 2022–23 United Rugby Championship round 15 fixture at home to Scarlets, replacing Jean Kleyn during the second-half of Munster's 49–42 win.[31] He came on as a replacement in Munster's 19–14 win against the Stormers in the final of the 2022–23 United Rugby Championship on 27 May 2023.[32]

In December 2023 The Irish Times reported that Snyman would be leaving Munster to join rivals Leinster at the end of the 2023/2024 season.[33] Munster could only retain the services of one of their two non-Irish qualified locks and chose to renew fellow Springbok Jean Kleyn's contract ahead of Snyman's.

International career

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South Africa under-20s

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Snyman was named in a 37-man training squad for the South Africa national under-20 rugby union team[34] and featured for them in a friendly match against a Varsity Cup Dream Team in April 2015.[35] Despite missing out on their two-match tour of Argentina,[36] he was named in the final squad for the 2015 World Rugby Under 20 Championship upon the team's return.[37] He started all three of their matches in Pool B of the competition; a 33–5 win against hosts Italy,[38] a 40–8 win against Samoa[39] and a 46–13 win over Australia[40] to help South Africa finish top of Pool B to qualify for the semi-finals with the best record pool stage of all the teams in the competition. Snyman started their semi-final match against England, but could not prevent them losing 20–28 to be eliminated from the competition by England for the second year in succession[41] and also started their third-place play-off match against France, helping South Africa to a 31–18 win to secure third place in the competition.[42]

South Africa 'A'

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In 2016, Snyman was included in a South Africa 'A' squad that played a two-match series against a touring England Saxons team.[43] He came on as a replacement in their first match in Bloemfontein,[44] but ended on the losing side as the visitors ran out 32–24 winners.[45] He then started the second match of the series, a 26–29 defeat to the Saxons in George.[46]

South Africa

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Snyman was named in South Africa's squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.[47] He played all 7 games, mainly off the bench, and scored his first test try against Italy. South Africa won the tournament, defeating England in the final.[1] Despite an injury-disrupted 2020–21 season and burns sustained during a firepit accident,[26] Snyman was selected by head coach Jacques Nienaber in South Africa's squad for the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa, however, the aforementioned burns required a skin graft, ruling Snyman out of the series.[48] He initially returned to Munster for his rehabilitation,[49] but rejoined the South Africa squad for the 2021 Rugby Championship.[50] After suffering a knee ligament re-rupture during his comeback for Munster,[29] Snyman was ruled out of South Africa's 2021 end-of-year tour.[51]

Snyman made his long-awaited international return for South Africa when he was used as a replacement in their 43–12 win against Australia in round one of the 2023 Rugby Championship on 8 July 2023. It was Snyman's first appearance for South Africa since the 2019 Rugby World Cup final,[52][53] and he was subsequently selected in the 33-man squad for 2023 Rugby World Cup.[54]

Statistics

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International analysis by opposition

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Against Played Won Lost Drawn Tries Points % Won
  Argentina 4 3 1 0 0 0 75
  Australia 3 2 1 0 0 0 66.67
  Canada 1 1 0 0 0 0 100
  England 5 3 2 0 1 5 60
  France 2 2 0 0 0 0 100
  Ireland 1 0 1 0 0 0 0
  Italy 1 1 0 0 1 5 100
  Japan 2 2 0 0 0 0 100
  Namibia 1 1 0 0 0 0 100
  New Zealand 6 2 3 1 0 0 33.33
  Romania 1 1 0 0 0 0 100
  Scotland 2 2 0 0 0 0 100
  Wales 3 2 1 0 0 0 66.67
Total 32 22 9 1 2 10 68.75

Correct as of 15 October 2023[55]

Honours

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Munster

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South Africa

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References

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  1. ^ a b "England 12-32 South Africa: Springboks win World Cup for record-equalling third time". BBC Sport. 2 November 2019. Retrieved 3 November 2019.
  2. ^ "RG Snyman: Five things to know about the Munster and Springbok lock". Planet Rugby. 2 March 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
  3. ^ "Despite DHL loss, SA was the big winner in Munster's RG Snyman". TimesLIVE. 1 June 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
  4. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Blue Bulls 25–5 Boland". South African Rugby Union. 4 July 2011. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  5. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – South Africa 19–14 England". South African Rugby Union. 9 August 2013. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  6. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – South Africa 17–13 France". South African Rugby Union. 13 August 2013. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  7. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – South Africa 14–13 Wales". South African Rugby Union. 17 August 2013. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  8. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Blue Bulls U19 29–17 EP Kings U19". South African Rugby Union. 11 July 2014. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  9. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Free State U19 25–50 Blue Bulls U19". South African Rugby Union. 26 September 2014. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  10. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Blue Bulls U19 43–20 Sharks U19". South African Rugby Union. 17 October 2014. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  11. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Western Province U19 33–26 Blue Bulls U19". South African Rugby Union. 25 October 2014. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  12. ^ "Vodacom Bulls Team". Bulls. Archived from the original on 4 February 2015. Retrieved 4 February 2015.
  13. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Hino Valke 13–37 Vodacom Blue Bulls". South African Rugby Union. 6 March 2015. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  14. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Vodacom Blue Bulls 46–25 Leopards XV". South African Rugby Union. 13 March 2015. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  15. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Xerox Golden Lions 24–12 Vodacom Blue Bulls". South African Rugby Union. 20 March 2015. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  16. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Vodacom Blue Bulls 20–18 Steval Pumas". South African Rugby Union. 28 March 2015. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  17. ^ "Vodacom Blue Bulls name Absa Currie Cup squad" (Press release). Bulls. 30 June 2015. Archived from the original on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2015.
  18. ^ "Two Bulls sign in Japan". SuperSport. 13 April 2017. Retrieved 18 April 2017.
  19. ^ "RG Snyman hoping to play himself into Rugby World Cup contention". TimesLIVE. 23 April 2019. Retrieved 11 October 2021.
  20. ^ "Munster Sign De Allende, Gallagher And Snyman". Munster Rugby. 31 January 2020. Retrieved 31 January 2020.
  21. ^ "De Allende completes isolation while Munster expect Snyman to arrive this month". The42. 19 May 2020. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
  22. ^ "Report | Narrow Loss For Munster In Aviva". Munster Rugby. 22 August 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  23. ^ "It went from absolute athleticism in the air into despair half a second later". The42. 24 August 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  24. ^ "Snyman's cruciate ligament woe confirmed". Irish Examiner. 25 August 2020. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
  25. ^ "Squad Update | Munster Prepare For Ulster At Thomond". Munster Rugby. 4 May 2021. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  26. ^ a b "Player Update". Munster Rugby. 7 June 2021. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  27. ^ "Report | Munster Start Season With Bonus-Point Win Over Sharks". Munster Rugby. 25 September 2021. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  28. ^ "RG Snyman gets first try as Munster recover from nightmare start to secure bonus point win". Irish Examiner. 2 October 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  29. ^ a b "'Here I go again, round 2 fight' - Munster confirm RG Snyman has reruptured his cruciate". Irish Examiner. 11 October 2021. Retrieved 11 October 2021.
  30. ^ "Key Players Continue To Commit To Munster Rugby". Munster Rugby. 12 January 2022. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  31. ^ "Snyman returns as Munster secure bonus point victory against Scarlets". Irish Examiner. 3 March 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  32. ^ "Magical Munster see off Stormers to win URC title and end trophy drought". Irish Examiner. 27 May 2023. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
  33. ^ "RG Snyman to join Leinster after contract with Munster ends". Irish Times. 14 December 2023. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
  34. ^ "Junior Bok training squad confirmed". South African Rugby Union. 4 April 2015. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 9 April 2015.
  35. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Varsity Cup XV 24–31 South Africa U/20". South African Rugby Union. 21 April 2015. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  36. ^ "SARU names Junior Bok squad for Argentine tour". South African Rugby Union. 29 April 2015. Archived from the original on 30 January 2016. Retrieved 29 April 2015.
  37. ^ "Liebenberg to lead Junior Boks at U20 World Championship in Italy". South African Rugby Union. 20 May 2015. Archived from the original on 30 January 2016. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
  38. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Italy U20 5–33 South Africa U20". South African Rugby Union. 2 June 2015. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  39. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – South Africa U20 40–8 Samoa U20". South African Rugby Union. 6 June 2015. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  40. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – South Africa U20 46–13 Australia U20". South African Rugby Union. 10 June 2015. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  41. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – South Africa U20 20–28 England U20". South African Rugby Union. 15 June 2015. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  42. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – France U20 18–31 South Africa U20". South African Rugby Union. 20 June 2015. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  43. ^ "Ackermann to coach SA 'A' against Saxons". South African Rugby Union. 28 May 2016. Archived from the original on 31 May 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  44. ^ "Youth and experience for SA 'A' opener against Saxons". South African Rugby Union. 8 June 2016. Archived from the original on 10 June 2016. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
  45. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – South Africa "A" 24–32 England Saxons". South African Rugby Union. 10 June 2016. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
  46. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – South Africa "A" 26–29 England Saxons". South African Rugby Union. 17 June 2016. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  47. ^ "South Africa World Cup squad: Siya Kolisi wins fitness battle, Eben Etzebeth backed, Aphiwe Dyantyi dropped". Independent. 26 August 2019. Retrieved 3 November 2019.
  48. ^ "RG Snyman undergoes skin graft operation on burns from firepit accident". Irish Examiner. 4 July 2021. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  49. ^ "RG Snyman returns to rehab with Munster". Irish Examiner. 6 August 2021. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  50. ^ "'RG was always a big part of our plans' - Springboks hope Snyman will feature in Rugby Championship". The42. 9 August 2021. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  51. ^ "Springboks call up 'talented' Stormers captain to replace Snyman for northern hemisphere Tests". The42. 19 October 2021. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
  52. ^ "RG Snyman: "Special to be back with the Boks"". SA Rugby Magazine. 15 June 2023. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
  53. ^ "Springboks player ratings: Kurt-Lee Arendse and Jean Kleyn fire South Africa to spectacular win over Wallabies". Planet Rugby. 8 July 2023. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
  54. ^ "Kleyn, Snyman included in Springbok World Cup squad, key trio miss out". Irish Examiner. 8 August 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  55. ^ RG Snyman, ESPN Scrum, 29 July 2023
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