Jean Kleyn

Not to be confused with Jean Klein.

Jean Kleyn
Date of birth (1993-08-26) 26 August 1993 (age 31)
Place of birthJohannesburg, South Africa
Height2.03 m (6 ft 8 in)
Weight123 kg (19.4 st; 271 lb)
SchoolHoërskool Linden
UniversityStellenbosch University
Rugby union career
Position(s) Lock
Youth career
2012–2014 Western Province
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2014–2016 Western Province 24 (5)
2014–2016 Stormers 19 (0)
2016– Munster 143 (75)
Correct as of 26 October 2024
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2019 Ireland 5 (0)
2023– South Africa 7 (0)
Correct as of 1 November 2023
Medal record
Men's Rugby union
Representing  South Africa
Rugby World Cup
Gold medal – first place 2023 France Squad

Jean Kleyn (born 26 August 1993) is a South African professional rugby union player who plays as a lock for Irish United Rugby Championship club Munster and the South Africa national team. He came on as a replacement during South Africa’s 2023 World Cup win vs New Zealand.

Kleyn played five times for Ireland in 2019, having qualified by residency. He subsequently changed his national affiliation and made his debut for South Africa in 2023.[1][2]

Youth rugby

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Kleyn first played provincial rugby for the Western Province U19s during the 2012 Under-19 Provincial Championship, also being promoted to the Western Province U21 side in the same season, as well as in 2013. He picked up two winner's medals, with Western Province ending both the 2012 Under-19 Provincial Championship and 2013 Under-21 Provincial Championship seasons as champions. As well as playing regularly for the senior side in 2014, he made a further three appearances in the 2014 Under-19 Provincial Championship.

Club career

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Western Province / Stormers

[edit]

Kleyn was named in the 2013 and 2014 Vodacom Cup squads, but never made an appearance, suffering a knee injury in 2013[3] and an ankle injury in 2014.[4]

He was included in the Stormers squad for the 2014 Super Rugby season.[5] After missing the early part of the season with his ankle injury, Kleyn recovered to be named in the starting line-up for their match against the Bulls in Pretoria,[6] but ended on the losing side as the home team won 28–12.[7] A further three appearances off the bench followed in May 2014. In the second half of 2014, Kleyn was a key player for Western Province in the 2014 Currie Cup Premier Division, starting ten matches during the season. The final two of his starts came in their 31–23 semi-final victory over the Blue Bulls[8] and the final, in which Kleyn played the entire 80 minutes, helping his side to a 19–16 victory over the Golden Lions[9] to win his first senior trophy.

Kleyn established himself as a regular in the Stormers squad during the 2015 Super Rugby season, appearing in thirteen of their seventeen matches, including five starts. He helped the Stormers finish top of the South African Conference,[10] and also played in their qualifier against the Brumbies, which they lost.[11] He once again was a key player for a Western Province team attempting to retain their Currie Cup title in the 2015 competition, playing in all twelve matches, of which he started eleven.[12] The team finished third on the log[13] and Kleyn started their 23–18 victory over the Blue Bulls in the semi-final[14] and the final, where his side could not emulate their 2014 result, losing 24–32 to the Golden Lions.[15]

Kleyn suffered an arm injury in a warm-up match against the Jaguares prior to the 2016 Super Rugby season, which ruled him out of the start of the competition.[16] Kleyn started two matches for Western Province in the 2016 Currie Cup qualification series, the first of those being a match against the Leopards during which Kleyn scored his first try in senior rugby, scoring ten minutes from time to help his side to a 43–34 victory.[17] He was included in the Stormers touring squad for their trip to Australia to face the Rebels and the Force,[18] but was not selected for either match. He eventually made his only appearance of the season in their 52–24 victory over the Southern Kings, their final match of the regular season.[19]

Munster

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Kleyn secured an early release from his contract with Western Province in July 2016,[20] and joined irish side Munster on a three-year contract prior to the 2016–17 Pro12 season.[21][22] On 3 September 2016, Kleyn made his competitive debut for Munster when he came on as a substitute against Scarlets in their opening Pro12 fixture.[23] On 17 September 2016, Kleyn scored his first try for Munster in their 20–16 away win against Welsh side Dragons in Rodney Parade. The match was also his first start for the province.[24] On 17 February 2017, it was announced that Kleyn had been ruled out for 8–10 weeks due to a neck injury, sustained during the United Rugby Championship fixture against Dragons on 10 February.[25]

On 1 September 2017, in his return to competitive action following his neck injury, Kleyn scored two tries in Munster's win against Benetton in Round 1 of the 2017–18 Pro14.[26] Kleyn scored a try and won the Man-of-the-Match award in Munster's 21–16 win against Ospreys on 16 September 2017.[27] Kleyn was nominated for the 2018 Munster Rugby Player of the Year award in April 2018.[28] He signed a three-year contract extension with Munster in September 2018.[29] Kleyn was ruled out for six weeks after undergoing surgery for a thumb injury in November 2018.[30] He returned from the injury in Munster's Pro14 fixture against Ulster on 21 December 2018.[31] Kleyn made his 50th appearance for Munster in their 26–17 win against Leinster on 29 December 2018.[32]

He signed a two-year contract extension with Munster in January 2022.[33] He played his 100th game for Munster in their 34–17 away win against Zebre Parma in round 11 of the 2021–22 United Rugby Championship on 29 January 2022.[34][35] Kleyn was selected in the 2021–22 United Rugby Championship dream team [36] He started in Munster's 19–14 win against the Stormers in the final of the United Rugby Championship on 27 May 2023.[37]

International career

[edit]

Ireland

[edit]

Kleyn qualified through residency to play for Ireland on 8 August 2019,[38] and was selected in Joe Schmidt's 44–man training squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.[39] He made his debut for Ireland in their World Cup warm-up match against Italy on 10 August 2019, starting in the 29–10 win,[40] and was selected in the 31-man Ireland squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup,[41] starting in Ireland's 35–0 win against Russia[42] before featuring off the bench in a 47–5 win against Samoa in Ireland's final pool game,[43]

South Africa

[edit]

Kleyn was not selected in Ireland's training squad ahead of the 2023 World Cup. Having not played for Ireland for more than three years, he was also eligible for selection by his native South Africa, and he was invited to join their training camp ahead of the World Cup, following approval from World Rugby.[1][2] Kleyn made his debut for South Africa when he started in their 43–12 win against Australia on 8 July 2023 in round one of the 2023 Rugby Championship,[44] and was later selected in the 33-man squad for the World Cup.[45]

Personal Life

[edit]

Kleyn is married to Irish teacher Aisling Kelly (pronounced ASH-leen). They got engaged at a game reserve in South Africa in 2019, and married at Tankardstown House, in Slane, County Meath in 2021. They have a son together, born in Ireland.

Statistics

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International analysis by opposition

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For Ireland

Against Played Won Lost Drawn Tries Points % Won
 England 1 0 1 0 0 0 0
 Italy 1 1 0 0 0 0 100
 Russia 1 1 0 0 0 0 100
 Samoa 1 1 0 0 0 0 100
 Wales 1 1 0 0 0 0 100
Total 5 4 1 0 0 0 80

For South Africa

Against Played Won Lost Drawn Tries Points % Won
 Argentina 1 1 0 0 0 0 100
 Australia 1 1 0 0 0 0 100
 Ireland 1 0 1 0 0 0 0
 New Zealand 2 2 0 0 0 0 100
 Romania 1 1 0 0 0 0 100
 Wales 1 1 0 0 0 0 100
Total 7 6 1 0 0 0 85.71

Correct as of 14 November 2023[46]

Honours

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South Africa

[edit]

Munster

[edit]

Western Province

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Individual

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  • United Rugby Championship dream team:

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Munster lock Jean Kleyn could be set for international switch to South Africa". Irish Examiner. 10 June 2023. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Kleyn cleared for Bok debut". SA Rugby Magazine. 18 June 2023. Retrieved 18 June 2023.
  3. ^ "The Stormers : Jean Kleyn". The Stormers. Archived from the original on 8 May 2014. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
  4. ^ "Stormers plagued by injuries again as Bulls loom". Business Day BDlive. 6 May 2014. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
  5. ^ "Contracted players kick-off preparations". The Stormers. 26 November 2013. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
  6. ^ "Burger to lead young DHL Stormers in Pretoria" (Press release). Stormers. 7 May 2014. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
  7. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Vodacom Bulls 28–12 DHL Stormers". South African Rugby Union. 10 May 2014. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
  8. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – DHL Western Province 31–23 Vodacom Blue Bulls". South African Rugby Union. 18 October 2014. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
  9. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – DHL Western Province 19–16 Xerox Golden Lions". South African Rugby Union. 25 October 2014. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
  10. ^ "SA Rugby Log – 2015 Vodacom Super Rugby". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
  11. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – DHL Stormers 19–39 Brumbies". South African Rugby Union. 20 June 2015. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
  12. ^ "SA Rugby Squad – DHL Western Province : 2015 Absa Currie Cup Premier Division". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
  13. ^ "SA Rugby Log – 2015 Absa Currie Cup Premier Division". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
  14. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Vodacom Blue Bulls 18–23 DHL Western Province". South African Rugby Union. 16 October 2015. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
  15. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Xerox Golden Lions 32–24 DHL Western Province". South African Rugby Union. 24 October 2015. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
  16. ^ "DHL Stormers injury report – May 2" (Press release). Stormers. 2 May 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
  17. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Leopards 34–43 DHL Western Province". South African Rugby Union. 4 June 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
  18. ^ "DHL Stormers touring squad announced" (Press release). Stormers. 27 June 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
  19. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – DHL Stormers 52–24 Southern Kings". South African Rugby Union. 16 July 2016. Retrieved 16 July 2016.
  20. ^ "WP se Jean Kleyn op pad Munster toe". Netwerk24 (in Afrikaans). 20 July 2014. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
  21. ^ "SA players head overseas after Super Rugby". SuperSport. 30 June 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
  22. ^ "Kleyn Signs With Munster" (Press release). Munster Rugby. 25 July 2016. Archived from the original on 25 July 2016. Retrieved 25 July 2016.
  23. ^ "Gutsy Win For Munster". Munster Rugby. 3 September 2016. Retrieved 4 September 2016.
  24. ^ "Munster Grind Out The Win In Wales". Munster Rugby. 17 September 2016. Retrieved 20 September 2016.
  25. ^ "Player Update". Munster Rugby. 17 February 2017. Retrieved 17 February 2017.
  26. ^ "Munster Off to Flying Start". Munster Rugby. 1 September 2017. Retrieved 2 September 2017.
  27. ^ "Gutsy Win in Swansea". Munster Rugby. 16 September 2017. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
  28. ^ "Munster Rugby Player Of The Year Nominees". Munster Rugby. 19 April 2018. Retrieved 19 April 2018.
  29. ^ "Jean Kleyn Commits To Munster". Munster Rugby. 25 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
  30. ^ "Squad Update | Pre Zebre". Munster Rugby. 16 November 2018. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  31. ^ "Report | Losing Bonus Point In Belfast". Munster Rugby. 21 December 2018. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  32. ^ "Report | Munster Beat Leinster At Thomond". Munster Rugby. 29 December 2018. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  33. ^ "Six Munster Players Sign Two-Year Contract Extensions". Munster Rugby. 5 January 2022. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
  34. ^ "Jean Kleyn Set To Reach 100-Cap Landmark". Munster Rugby. 28 January 2022. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
  35. ^ "Report | Munster Claim Bonus Point Victory In Italy". Munster Rugby. 29 January 2022. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
  36. ^ a b "Craig Casey & Jean Kleyn On URC Dream Team". Munster Rugby. 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  37. ^ a b "Magical Munster see off Stormers to win URC title and end trophy drought". Irish Examiner. 27 May 2023. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
  38. ^ "Kleyn 'behind the eight ball' as he bids to force his way into Schmidt's plans". The42. 23 July 2019. Retrieved 8 August 2019.
  39. ^ "Uncapped Kleyn and Haley included in Ireland's World Cup training squad". The42. 28 May 2019. Retrieved 28 May 2019.
  40. ^ "Carbery injury sucks the air out of Ireland's win over makeshift Italy". The42. 10 August 2019. Retrieved 11 August 2019.
  41. ^ "Ireland's Rugby World Cup Squad Named". IRFU. 2 September 2019. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
  42. ^ "Ireland 35-0 Russia: Joe Schmidt's side labour to World Cup win". BBC Sport. 3 October 2019. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  43. ^ "Ireland 47-5 Samoa: Bonus-point win puts Irish into last eight". BBC Sport. 12 October 2019. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  44. ^ "Jean Kleyn wins on debut as Springboks demolish Australia". The Irish Times. 8 July 2023. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
  45. ^ "Kleyn, Snyman included in Springbok World Cup squad, key trio miss out". Irish Examiner. 8 August 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  46. ^ Jean Kleyn, ESPN Scrum, 3 October 2019
  47. ^ Martel, Clément; Untersinger, Martin (29 October 2023). "Rugby World Cup 2023: South Africa remains on top of the world after nerve-wracking final". Le Monde. Retrieved 8 November 2023.
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