Reigning United Rugby champion, Munster, is set to be without its Rugby World Cup-winning second row RG Snyman, as he gets to undergo surgery to the chest and shoulder area.

The 28-year-old signed a two-year deal in 2022. Since signing for the Irish giants, Snyman has been snake-bitten with two significant injuries that have seen him rarely feature. 

The South African made his debut against Leinster in August 2020, only to rupture his ACL seven minutes into the game. 

Several setbacks ensured Snyman did not play again until September 2021. In his third game back, he re-ruptured his cruciate ligament playing against the Scarlets in the United Rugby Championship.

Returning from the second injury in March last year, Snyman played a key role in Munster’s run to the URC title, primarily as an impact player off the bench. 

Since then, Snyman starred for the Springboks as they secured their second successive Rugby World Cup title last month in Paris. 

He now will undergo surgery in his native South Africa, with no specified timeline being announced for his return to Munster.

🗞️ SQUAD UPDATE | See the latest news from Munster camp ahead of Friday's Interpro derby against Ulster.

Calvin Nash is being assessed & RG Snyman will undergo surgery this week for a chest/shoulder injury.

Click the pic for full details.#ULSvMUN #SUAF 🔴

— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) November 6, 2023

With Snyman's absence now confirmed, Munster will lean on his Springbok teammate Jean Kleyn and Irish international star Tadhg Beirne. 

Backing up these two seasoned players are a dynamic young trio of Edwin Edogbo, Thomas Ahern and Fineen Wycherley, which ensures that Munster will not be short of quality options. 

For Snyman, the injury is a blow, as his contract with Munster is set to expire in June 2024.