The 30-year-old Munster lock represented Ireland at the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
Former Ireland international Jean Kleyn acknowledges being on the verge of becoming a world champion with his native South Africa was “outside the realm of thinking” just months ago.
“I think I’ve caught myself thinking about it probably too often,” Kleyn said of his curious Test career. His lengthy spell in the international wilderness allowed him to revert to the Springboks, a decision he feared may be met with a backlash. “The support was really heartfelt from a lot of Munster fans and it made it a lot easier for me because I thought it would be quite a negative reaction when I declared for the Springboks.
Jean Kleyn, left, and South Africa suffered a pool-stage loss to Ireland but recovered to reach the World Cup final
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