MUNSTER LOCK JEAN Kleyn has been cleared to represent South Africa under new eligibility rules.
The Johannesburg-born Munster lock qualified for Ireland on residency and made five appearances in 2019, including two at the Japan-hosted Rugby World Cup.
He has not been selected since then, though, and therefore qualifies for South Africa under a new regulation.
Since the start of last year, players can switch to their country of birth – or their parents’ or grandparents’ birth – provided a minimum period of three years has elapsed since they were last selected for an adopted country.
SA Rugby said World Rugby confirmed to them on Thursday that Kleyn fulfilled the necessary “birthright transfer” requirements.
Kleyn has made more than 130 Munster appearances and helped them win the United Rugby Championship title last season.
He is currently part of South Africa’s Rugby Championship training squad, with the Springboks kicking off that campaign against Australia in Pretoria on 8 July.
“Jean’s clearance is great news for the team in this important season,” said SA Rugby Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus.
“His international experience increases our depth at lock while at the same time boosting the experience in the squad in a year in which every match is vital in our preparations for the World Cup.”
Kleyn becomes the latest international player to switch countries ahead of the World Cup, following the likes of Charles Piutau (New Zealand to Tonga), Israel Folau (Australia to Tonga), Henry Thomas (England to Wales) and Byron McGuigan (Scotland to Namibia).
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