After a gruelling Springbok season, several players have headed straight back into club duty, which has again raised concerns about player welfare.
Whether that particular issue will ever be solved is a debate for another day, but there is a more immediate concern for Irish club Leinster just as they had welcomed RG Snyman back into their ranks.
The Springbok lock, who has endured an injury-plagued career at club level, sustained a shoulder injury and left the field inside the opening 20 minutes of the Champions Cup match against Harlequins this past weekend.
Leinster have stated that Snyman was “a bit uncomfortable” and would be going for a scan or X-ray, and there will now be a nervous wait to see just how long he could be ruled out of the game.
Snyman has enjoyed another standout season for the Springboks
On the Springboks’ end-of-year tour, Snyman earned his 50th Test cap in the team’s 24-13 victory against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium – ironically his home ground for Irish club Leinster.
The towering lock became the second player on the November tour to achieve a big career feat, with the other being Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who played his 100th Test against France.
Lots to celebrate
Snyman, who made his Bok debut in 2018, has had to overcome many adversities since, after suffering a string of injuries and burns in a freak accident in 2021, which ruled him out of contention for the national team, and he admitted that those situations made him doubt if he would achieve this feat.
“It was nice playing at the Aviva,” said Snyman.
“There were familiar faces on the other side of the field. It was just a special week for me, having my wife here, and feeling it’s kind of like you’re home. So, I really appreciate the occasion and the game. It’s something I’ll remember forever.
“I never thought I would be here throughout those years. I thought it’s something I wouldn’t be able to achieve. So personally, it’s special. The way in which the guys handled the week and treated me throughout the week was really memorable.”