Former Ireland international Jan Klin reflects on his incredible 2023 season.
At the beginning of his tenure, Klin, a former Ireland international on a Munster contract, was thought to have little chance of featuring in the Rugby World Cup.
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However, Munster's brilliant performance in lifting the URC trophy caught the attention of the Springboks.
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The Springboks moved to call up the veteran second-row after learning of new rules that allow players to switch their international allegiance back to their country of birth.
Klin still can't believe he's playing in the World Cup again, this time wearing the green and gold uniform he dreamed of wearing as a child.
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“I probably think about it too much,” Klin said of his curious testing career.
“This is strange because if you had asked me six months ago whether I thought we had a chance of playing in the World Cup final as a Springbok, I would have told you that you were completely insane. will answer.
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“After it's all over, I'll probably wake up and think, 'Was that a dream or did it actually happen?' It was out of the realm of thought.
“It was an amazing journey for me. I was really happy to be a part of it.”
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Klin said that after Ireland were eliminated in the quarter-finals, Munster supporters contacted them to support the Springboks.
No ribs
He is also surprised that the Irish rugby media hasn't treated him harshly.
“We were really inundated with messages from Munster supporters, obviously after Ireland were eliminated,” Klin said.
“Then they really came after us and said, 'Listen, you guys are our second team now, guys.'
“The support from so many Munster fans has been really heartfelt and it has made things a lot easier for me as I thought there would be quite a negative reaction when I announced my move to the Springboks.
“Given my previous experience with the Irish media, I was expecting some negative coverage, but it was very positive so I was really happy.”