South African World Cup winning duo join Munster Rugby

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FILE PHOTO: Damian de Allende of the Stormers and RG Snyman of the Bulls during the Super Rugby match between Vodacom Bulls and DHL Stormers at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Johan Rynners/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Irish rugby club Munster on Friday announced the signings of South African World Cup winning duo Damien de Allende RG Snyman on two-year contracts.

A statement on the club's website said that De Allende and Snyman will join the club at the beginning of the 2020/21 season.

De Allende and Snyman currently both play in the Japanese Top League for Panasonic Wild Knights and Honda Heat respectively.

28-year-old de Allende, who regularly plays at centre, was voted South African Rugby Player of the Year in 2015. He has won 47 caps for the Springboks scoring six tries. De Allende has also played for South African rugby club the Stormers.

25-year-old Snyman, whose regular position is lock, played every game of the RWC2019 campaign notching up 23 caps for the Springboks in total.

Munster head coach Johann van Graan expressed his delight that the club could attract such high quality players who will strengthen the squad.

"From a business point of view I am really pleased that Munster Rugby has secured the calibre of these players. In terms of Damian and RG, it's testament to the worldwide standing of this club that two World Cup winning Springboks will arrive here next summer," van Graan said.

"On a personal level I know them both very well and in addition to being world-class athletes they are great men. They will add value to everything we are striving to achieve at Munster, and I know our supporters will be eagerly looking forward to their arrival.”

Munster is one of four provincial rugby teams from Ireland which competes in the Guinness PRO14 league, which also involves teams from Italy, Scotland, South Africa and Wales.

Source(s): Munster Rugby