RG Snyman's Munster return delayed until end of December

RG Snyman may not return for Munster until the new year, according to the latest injury report from the province.

The South Africa second row, who has been limited to just four appearances in more than two years due to successive serious knee injuries, has been sidelined since October of 2021.

Snyman ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament just three games into his comeback from an identical injury, which had seen him sidelined for 13 months.

The province have now confirmed his potential return has been pushed back by up to two more months, after a consultation with his surgeon.

"RG Snyman had a routine consultation with his surgeon last week and following the review the lock is not expected to be available for selection before the end of December," a statement from the province reads.

Munster host Leinster at Thomond Park on 26 December, before facing Ulster in Belfast on New Year's Day.

The World Cup-winning locks injury hell has seen him play just 54 minutes of rugby across his four appearances since arriving in Limerick in the summer of 2020, although he is under contract until the summer of 2024 after agreeing an extension earlier this year.

Elsewhere, hooker Niall Scannell is following the return to play protocols, after being removed for a head injury in last weekend's defeat to Ulster.

The province aren't in competitive action again until they host Connacht on 26 November, although they will welcome a South Africa A selection to a sold-out Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Thursday 10 November.

Follow a live blog on Ireland v South Africa on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app this Saturday from 5pm with live radio commentary on Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1.