Munster boss Graham Rowntree expects lock RG Snyman to "give his all" as he sees out his contract ahead of a move to Leinster next season.
Snyman, who turned 29 yesterday, is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a shoulder / chest injury and may feature for the province next month.
The double-World Cup winner needed surgery after the Springboks beat New Zealand in the final last October.
A series of injuries had restricted the giant second row to just 10 appearances for the club since joining in 2020.
The initial diagnosis suggested a March return date.
While he was rehabbing, the news broke that he was to make a sensational switch to rivals Leinster at the end of the season.
Munster, who face Crusaders on Saturday night in Cork, play a URC game against Scarlets on 16 February and a friendly against Harlequins a week later.
Rowntree told RTÉ Sport: "There's always games pencilled in for people, there are plenty of games available to him.
"He trained today. His return is going to be a bit sooner potentially than the Zebre game [1 March].
"I think we’ll see him in February, exactly when I’m not sure. He’s certainly encouraging me, he’s doing a lot more in training."
The news of the move sent shockwaves through Irish rugby.
Speaking on the Rugby Pod, the South African said: "In the end, no one was really upset with me about it - no one in the building.
"The guys were very understanding of it. It's very professional from their side to understand it because it could have gone the other way.
"The fact that Jacques [Nienaber, former Springboks coach] is there played a big role in me going to Leinster.
"Myself and my wife really enjoy our time in Ireland. She's got a job here. It was a difficult decision to make, but it was an easy one for the two of us, being able to stay in Ireland and just head up the road to Dublin and play with Leinster."
Asked what he expected of Snyman for the rest of the season, Rowntree (above) said: "He’s been thoroughly professional and diligent around the group since his news broke and I expect nothing less from the guy, he’s been quality for us.
"What’s done is done, this is business.
"He’s made his decision; I’m interested to see what he does for Munster for the rest of the season. I’m sure he’ll give it his all."
Munster are yet to announce Peter O’Mahony’s successor as captain with Rowntree maintaining the line that he wouldn’t be rushed. The Ireland skipper stepped down as Munster’s captain last November.
"I’ll do it when I’m ready," said Rowntree, who led the side to the URC title in his first season in charge.
"I have various people in mind, I’ll make that decision when I’m ready."
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