Over the last couple of years, powerful lock RG Snyman has become one of the most influential players for the Springboks, with the 31-year-old having established himself as an absolute weapon in the ‘bomb squad’.

Ironically, Snyman has largely been able to maintain both fitness and form during the international season, but he has often struggled with injuries at club level – particularly during his time with Munster between 2020 and 2024.

Since moving to Leinster two years ago, he has already featured in more games for the club compared to his four-year stint at Munster, but recent reports suggest there is a bit of an injury cloud now hanging over the Springbok giant.

Springbok star facing a period on the sidelines?

Snyman had to be prematurely replaced during the second half against Glasgow last weekend following a heavy collision, and he looked to be in some discomfort when he left the field.

The big man is now undergoing further assessments, and there is enduring hope that he won’t be ruled out for an extended period.

Lock problems for Boks

There have been injuries haunting Springbok locks of late, with veteran Franco Mostert having endured a torrid time on the sidelines last year.

Currently, Pieter-Steph du Toit is recovering after undergoing a shoulder operation, but Rassie Erasmus has said there was cautious optimism that he would be ready for the start of the new season.

Meanwhile Lood de Jager is also currently in South Africa recovering from hip surgery, with the second rower expected to be out of action for at least another four months. It’s another frustrating setback for a player who has endured regular issues with injuries during a 73-Test cap career.

Fixtures for 2026:

International:

Saturday 20 June: Springboks v Barbarians (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha)

Nations Championship:

Saturday 4 July: Boks v England (Ellis Park, Johannesburg)

Saturday 11 July:Boks v Scotland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)

Saturday 18 July: Boks v Wales (Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban)

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry:

Saturday 22 August: Springboks v All Blacks (Ellis Park, Johannesburg)

Saturday 29 August: Springboks v All Blacks (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)

Saturday 5 September: Springboks v All Blacks (FNB Stadium, Johannesburg)

Saturday 12 September: Springboks v All Blacks (M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, USA)

Once-off Test:

Sunday 27 September: Wallabies v Springboks (Optus Stadium, Perth)

Nations Championship:

Saturday 7 November: Italy v Springboks (Venue TBC)

Friday 13 November: France v Springboks (Stade de France, Paris)

Saturday 21 November: Ireland v Springboks (Aviva Stadium, Dublin)

Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November: Finals Weekend (Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, London)