Springbok lock RG Snyman’s availability for the British & Irish Lions tour suffered a setback after Munster provided an update on his status.

Snyman, who ruptured his ACL last August only minutes into his PRO14 debut, was in the final stages of his rehab and the news appeared quite positive as Munster expected him to soon return to squad training.

However, in the club’s latest update, Munster confirmed that Snyman has suffered an unrelated injury that will require a minor procedure.

The 26-year-old will consult with a knee specialist this week, but the procedure is expected to delay his return to training for a number of weeks. It is still unknown when he will be able to return to the playing field.

This will undoubtedly put him in a race against time to prove his fitness and availability for the upcoming British & Irish Lions series.

As preparations continue for the upcoming Lions series, Snyman is undoubtedly an important part of director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and Bok coach Jacques Nienaber’s plans.

Snyman was part of the Springboks’ four 2019 World Cup-winning locks, along with Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert and Lood de Jager. The Springboks could already be without De Jager’s services for the tour, after the Sale Sharks player broke his leg in a freak training session accident.

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