By SA Rugby Magazine
Ulster have strengthened their lock stocks by snapping up a towering Zimbabwean also linked with the Stormers.
According to reports Eli Snyman has signed a two-year contract with the Irish province and will arrive in Belfast in July.
The 29-year-old has been an effective lineout operator for Benetton since 2023.
Standing at 2.01m, the former Bulls lock was reportedly attracting the attention of a host of clubs. Rapport claims the Stormers were monitoring Snyman’s situation as they continue their search for a replacement for Ruben van Heerden, who is set to join Montpellier at the end of the season.
Snyman’s rugby journey began at St John’s College in Harare.
He represented Zimbabwe in the junior ranks from Under-13s, Under-16 and Under-18 levels before he progressed through the ranks at South African sides Tuks and the Bulls.
He represented the Junior Boks at the 2016 World Rugby U20 Championship in Manchester.
He also previously played for the Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership.
Born in Harare, Snyman remains eligible to play for the Sables. Zimbabwe coach Piet Benade has previously indicated that the lock is among the players being considered ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Australia.