Leinster backline coach Tyler Bleyendaal hails 'instinctive' RG Snyman ahead of Munster showdown

Snyman, who was named the 2024/25 URC Player of the Season, has returned to Leinster training following South Africa's successful Rugby Championship campaign. The 30-year-old is now in contention to feature in Saturday's high-stakes interprovincial derby at Croke Park - a fixture that would see him line up against Munster, the club he represented between May 2020 and December 2023 before joining rivals Leinster.

Speaking to Irish media this week, Bleyendaal described Snyman as a player who brings both unpredictability and impact, highlighting how his instinctive style has added a new dimension to Leinster's play.

"Sometimes it's not easy to plan around because he's quite instinctive," Bleyendaal said. "Some of the unstructured play that he can create is equally chaotic but beneficial for us."

Snyman's offloading ability and physical presence were central to Leinster's late-season surge last year, with Bleyendaal noting that it took some time for teammates to adapt to his style.

"It probably took a few games last year to understand it," he said. "He'd carry into a brick wall, but suddenly the ball's flying out and we're playing off it again. So it's about staying alive around him."

Bleyendaal also highlighted Snyman's off-field impact, calling him a valuable figure in the dressing room.

"He brings a really good energy. He's such a lovely bloke. In the week, he's a relaxed kind of character, but he plays with a mean physicality and an exceptional skill set," Bleyendaal added. 

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