Jean Klein, pictured in 2019, has been selected for the South Africa Rugby Championship preliminary squad. Credit: Sportsfile/Brendan Moran
Ireland international Gene Klein has been named to South Africa's provisional Rugby Championship squad after Andy Farrell ignored her.
Munster's second row is in great shape for of his province, having played a key role in their recent Rugby Unified Championship victory, and was considered unfortunate that he missed Ireland's World Cup training team named Farrell.
The Springboks jumped at the opportunity to win back Klein, who grew up in South Africa, before qualifying for the Irish domicile in 2019. The 29-year-old has won five caps for Ireland and was part of their squad at the 2019 World Cup, but has not played since.
According to World Rugby rules, Klein can now play for his country of birth, ending a three-year waiver period.
Klein needs to wait for World Rugby to confirm his eligibility in South Africa to join the Springboks, but no problems are expected.
“An honor I never thought I would get”
“. When approached, I was blown away by this opportunity to be part of the Springbok team,” said Klein. “I couldn't refuse it when it was offered.
“Munster has shaped me as a person and as a player. I have built a life here with my young family, but to be given this opportunity from my home country is an honor I never thought I would get.
“The last three weeks here in Münster have been a dream . Surviving a brutal season and playing week after week was the highlight of my career. As a team, we continued to believe along with our coaches and, against all odds, succeeded.”
Klein is not the first player to take advantage of the clearance amendment, which was introduced last January.
Charles Piutau (New Zealand to Tonga), Israel Folau (Australia to Tonga) and Jack Dempsey (Australia to Scotland) switched sides, while former England internationals Ruarid McConnochie and Henry Thomas were named in Scotland and Wales respectively.
The Amendment was designed to incentivize 'second tier' sides, especially the Pacific Island nations, who have a huge amount of talent in the form of players who once represented New Zealand, Australia and other countries. However, with Klein there were a number of switches from the first level to the first level.
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