The two-time World Cup-winning second-row says he wanted to remain in Ireland and couldn’t stay at Munster, who didn’t offer him a new deal after signing Jean Kleyn.
Snyman looked destined to sign for Bath, but Leinster have stepped in to offer him an alternative and he is expected to command a salary of around €500,000 per season in Dublin.
The IRFU have given the green light for the transfer, although he may be subject to conditions around how much he can play so that he doesn’t stand in the way of Irish-qualified talent.
Snyman is clearly a world-class operator, but his arrival comes with risks given his injury profile.
Two serious knee injuries, burns suffered in a firepit accident in 2021 and a chest injury he incurred in this year’s World Cup final have limited the powerful second-row to 10 appearances in four seasons at Munster.
However, his potential has convinced Leinster to invest, with Jacques Nienaber a central figure in the deal.
“Having settled really well in Limerick since our arrival in Ireland almost four years ago, my wife and I want to stay on in Ireland if possible,” Snyman said in a Leinster statement.
“Continuing with Munster Rugby beyond June of 2024, was no longer a choice I could exercise. I will continue to give my absolute all and best for Munster, on and off the field, until the end of the season.
“After careful consideration of all offers presented, the Leinster opportunity was the one I decided on. It is an invitation that allows me to continue to stay part of a world class high performance rugby set-up. It also enables my wife and I to stay in Ireland.
“I am a professional rugby player.
“I need to work very hard to see to it that I add value to any system that trusts me enough to improve its cause.
“At Leinster, I will continue to be challenged to my utmost limit to improve my game, and hopefully, contribute to improve the club.
“That will be my only job and I intend to do everything to achieve this at the highest level of performance.
“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity, and to work under Jacques Nienaber again. I want to thank Leinster for making it possible.”
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen hailed the capture.
“We’re delighted that RG is joining us next season. He is a world-class operator, coming into his prime and a powerful athlete who will bring more competition to that position for our squad,” he said.
“He is also a double-World Cup-winning Springbok and all that brings in terms of experience and all our players can tap into that. We are always looking for ways we can improve our learning as a group and I know from speaking to Jacques that RG will hopefully help us do just that.
“His arrival is a fair bit away yet, but it’s great to have his signature and in time we can welcome him properly, but for now, it’s all eyes on our trip down to Limerick on St Stephen’s Day.”
Munster have yet to comment on the transfer.