Kleyn to join Boks as replacement for injured Nortje
Rugby World Cup-winning lock Jean Kleyn will join the Springboks in Edinburgh on Friday as a replacement for Ruan Nortje.
Nortje suffered a leg injury at training on Wednesday, which ruled him out of the team’s tour of the UK.
The 31-year-old Kleyn, who earned his seventh Test cap for the Springboks in the RWC final against New Zealand in France last year, returns to the national team for the first time this season after recovering from an eye injury.
“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 coach Rassie Erasmus.
“He certainly grabbed the opportunity with both hands, and we wish him luck with his recovery.”
Erasmus added: “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.
“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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