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Munster Trio Sign Contract Extensions

John Hodnett has made four starts for Munster so far this season, lining out against Benetton, Ulster, the DHL Stormers and Leinster ©INPHO/Tom Maher

Munster Rugby have confirmed that Jean Kleyn, John Hodnett and Liam Coombes have all signed contract extensions with the province.

Kleyn, who won the Rugby World Cup with his native South Africa last month, and Hodnett have both signed two-year extensions, with Coombes signing a one-year deal.

The province have also revealed that RG Snyman will depart Munster for a new playing opportunity on completion of his contract at the end of the season.

Named the Munster Men’s Player of the Year for 2022/23, second row Kleyn made his first appearance of the campaign against Leinster last weekend.

The former Ireland international has played 137 games for Munster since making his debut against the Scarlets in 2016.

Last year was a standout campaign as he made 24 starts, more than anyone else in the squad, including 19 starts in a row to finish the season as Munster clinched the BKT United Rugby Championship title.

The pride of Clonakilty RFC, flanker Hodnett has also signed a two-year deal after a superb 2022/23 campaign in the province’s red jersey.

He scored three tries in 20 appearances last season, including the match-winning score against the DHL Stormers in the URC final in Cape Town.

A UCC clubman, Hodnett came up through the Munster Academy. He has made 45 appearances since his debut in 2020 and also featured for Emerging Ireland last year.

Coombes, who is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury, has signed a new one-year deal. The Skibbereen RFC product played schools rugby with CBC Cork and lines out with Garryowen in the Energia All-Ireland League.

He can play on the wing and in the centre and has scored six tries in 19 Munster appearances since his debut in 2018.

Coombes touched down against Leinster and the Emirates Lions last year, with his brilliant solo effort against Lions securing a bonus point win.

Meanwhile, a hugely popular figure at the province, Snyman won his second World Cup with the Springboks last month. He is currently sidelined after undergoing surgery on a chest/shoulder injury.

He has twice returned from long-term injuries during his time at Munster and played an important role last season, making six appearances in the province’s charge to the URC crown.