Leinster star departs for Premiership club ahead of RG Snyman’s arrival

Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland. 6th Apr, 2024. Investec Champions Cup Rugby, Leinster versus Leicester Tigers: Ryan Baird and Ross Molony of Leinster shows their appreciation to the supporters Credit: Action Plus Sports/Alamy Live News

Bath have announced the signing of Ross Molony on a three-year contract as Leinster clear space in their second-row ahead of the impending arrival of RG Snyman.

The 29-year-old lock will cross the Irish sea to join the Blue, Black and White ahead of the 2024/25 campaign and will get to work with the squad during pre-season.

Molony made his Leinster debut whilst still on an Academy contract with the club, aged just 19, where he was named to play against Zebre Parma in February 2015.

Dublin-born lock

Born in Dublin, the 6ft 6in forward has been with Leinster for the past decade, seeing him earn more than 175 caps for the province and win the PRO14 four times.

Molony also started the last two Champions Cup final losses against La Rochelle and has been a consistent performer and line-out caller for Leinster over the years.

The second-row shone against Bath on his Champions Cup debut in January 2016, claiming the Player of the Match award, and eight years later he’ll join the club.

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Molony’s arrival will bolster Johann van Graan’s options as he partners up with a strong group of players at lock, with the Bath boss thrilled with his new signing.

“Ross is a true professional and his journey in rugby is a testament to this,” he said ahead of the lock’s move to the Premiership.

“His work ethic and leadership are some of his key characteristics and I believe he will play a huge part in our journey in the next number of years. What struck me is the quality of a human being Ross is.”

Snyman to Leinster

Molony’s departure comes four months after Leinster announced the shock signing of Snyman, who will join the province from Irish rivals Munster next season.

Bok Snyman had to leave Munster due to Jean Kleyn being capped by South Africa late last year, meaning they had two non-Irish qualified locks on their books.

Leinster will subsequently boast Snyman, Joe McCarthy, James Ryan, Brian Deeny and the versatile Ryan Baird as their second-row options during 2024/25.