Springbok lock RG Snyman is set for another lengthy period on the sidelines after Munster confirmed that he has again suffered a serious knee ligament injury.

The 26-year-old featured off the bench during Munster’s win over Scarlets this past Sunday and nine minutes later was forced off after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship match.

Munster confirmed that Snyman will consult a specialist to discuss his next move.

Commenting on the injury blow, Munster head coach Johann van Graan said: “We are all hugely disappointed for RG.

“After doing everything that was asked of him and working so hard to get back into great shape everyone feels for him right now.

“While this is a setback, we know RG is young and resilient given everything he has gone through in the last year, so there is a strong sense of perspective here.

“We have seen what other world-class players have done in this position before and they have come back to reach the successful heights of their careers and I would expect no different for someone of RG’s class and standing.”

Snyman had only recently made his comeback after recovering from the burns he sustained during a fire-pit accident earlier this year, which delayed his return from surgical repair of the same knee ligament last year in his debut season for Munster.

His absence will be felt as the Springboks’ depth at lock is already being tested – Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg has recently also suffered a calf injury which threatens his participation on the tour.

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