Munster lock Jean Kleyn is eager to face Toulon’s South African contingent in their European Champions Cup quarter-final.

Munster progressed to the playoffs courtesy of a 48-3 win against Castres. South Africans CJ Stander, Chris Cloete and Kleyn all started for the Irish side, while Gerbrandt Grobler and Jaco Taute are also part of the squad.

‘There’ll be a lot of Saffers there,’ Kleyn told The Irish Times. ‘I played a good couple of years with Duane Vermeulen [at the Stormers]. He was a big role model of mine when I was younger, so it’s going to be interesting going up against him.’

Munster are coached by former Springbok assistant Johann van Graan, while ex-Lions defence coach JP Ferreira is also part of the coaching staff.

‘I know Duane Vermeulen very well, he’s a massive part of Toulon,’ said Van Graan. ‘I’ve coached a few guys who play there – Marcel van der Merwe, Juandré Kruger and Bryan Habana. They are a quality side, they’ve been doing pretty well in Europe over the past few years.’

Photo: Andrew Surma/NurPhoto