Munster second row Jean Kleyn has moved a step closer to a South Africa debut, after World Rugby approved his eligibility to play for his native country.
The Ireland international is eligible to switch nations having gone more than three years since his last Test appearance.
"World Rugby confirmed on Thursday that the Johannesburg-born 29-year-old fulfilled the necessary 'birthright transfer' requirements," a statement from the South African rugby union says.
"The regulation – which came into force at the start of 2022 – allows for players to be selected for their country of birth (or of their parents’ or grandparents’ birth) once a period of at least 36 months has elapsed since last selection for an adopted country."
Kleyn has been training with the Springboks in recent weeks while awaiting his eligibility to be cleared, and is now likely to make his debut during the upcoming Rugby Championship, where South Africa host Australia in their opening game on 8 July.
The 6ft 8in lock joined Munster from the Stormers in 2016, and made his Ireland debut three years later having qualified under residency laws.
Kleyn earned five caps before and during the 2019 Rugby World Cup, but has not featured for Ireland under head coach Andy Farrell.
There were calls for the second row to be recalled by Ireland this summer after showing career-best form, playing a major role in Munster's BKT United Rugby Championship title success, but after being overlooked in Farrell's 42-man summer training squad, he was called in by his native South Africa.
Kleyn's potential Test caps could have a knock-on effect for Munster. The 29-year-old, whose contract expires in the summer of 2025 will no longer be Irish-qualified once he is selected in a matchday squad by the Boks, which may impact Munster's ability to keep him at the province.
