Jean Kleyn has signed a new two-year contract with Munster, but fellow South African World Cup-winning lock RG Snyman will leave at the end of the season.
Kleyn is in his seventh season with the province and has 137 appearances under his belt, in contrast to Snyman who has been injured for the vast majority of his time in Ireland, playing just 10 games since joining in 2020.
Kleyn's international switch to South Africa – he won five caps for Ireland and was part of the 2019 World Cup squad – meant that he, along with Snyman, became non-Irish qualified.
With both vying for the same spot, it was widely expected that one would depart, with Kleyn, Munster’s Player of the Season from last year, always the more likely candidate to remain.
He made his first appearance of the season in last weekend’s defeat to Leinster, and must now be a candidate to permanently replace Peter O'Mahony as the province's captain.
Snyman is currently sidelined with a chest/shoulder injury sustained during South Africa's World Cup-winning campaign.
"RG Snyman will depart Munster for a new playing opportunity on completion of his contract at the end of the season," a statement read.
Also committing their future to Munster are John Hodnett and Liam Coombes.
Hodnett scores three tries in 20 appearances last season, including the match-winning score against Stormers in the URC final and has signed a two-year extension. The flanker also featured for Emerging Ireland.
Coombes, who is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury, has signed a new one-year deal.
Watch Connacht v Leinster in the URC on Saturday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on www.rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app or listen to commentary on RTÉ Radio 1 Extra
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