Springboks: Jacques Nienaber to vacate head coach role to join Leinster after the Rugby World Cup
Jacques Nienaber will step down as head coach of the Springboks after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, SA Rugby has confirmed.
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In a shock move, he will take a position in Leinster’s coaching ranks after the tournament.
Joining Leinster
Nienaber will replace current Stuart Lancaster as the United Rugby Championship side’s senior coach, with Lancaster heading to Racing 92.
The Boks head coach cited personal reasons for the decision but said that he is focused on the task ahead for the Springboks in their title defence in France.
“The last few years have been the highlight of my coaching career, and it’s with a heavy heart that I’m finishing up my time with the Springboks and leaving the country for personal reasons,” said Nienaber.
“The decision is made, and that’s firmly behind me now. My sole focus is on seeing the Springboks defend the Rugby World Cup title this year. I will continue to channel all my energy into ensuring that we leave no stone unturned to achieve that.”
Rassie Erasmus to stay until 2025
Nienaber served as an assistant coach at the 2011 and 2019 Rugby World Cups before stepping into the head coach role in 2020.
He coached the side to a 2-1 series victory over the British and Irish Lions in 2021.
“Jacques was very open with us about the reasons for wanting to leave South Africa at the end of the season,” Rian Oberholzer, SA Rugby CEO, said.
“We will confirm a successor in the title role of Springbok coach in due course – that planning will go on in the background, but Rassie Erasmus’ services are locked in to the end of 2025 at the very least.”
‘World class coach’
Mr Mark Alexander, SA Rugby President, said: “Jacques has been a great servant of South African rugby at provincial and national level for two decades but now is not the time for thank yous.
“The 2023 season remains the priority for Jacques and the rest of the coaching staff and knowing him, as I do, he will be working round the clock to deliver success for the Springboks.”
Leinster director of rugby Leo Cullen spoke highly of the incoming senior coach.
“Jacques is a world class coach with a winning track record at the very highest level of the game, and we’re all looking forward to learning from him over the coming seasons,” Cullen told Leinster’s website.
“With the addition of the South African teams to the BKT URC Championship and the Heineken Champions Cup, Jacques’ in-depth knowledge and experience of working with the Springboks will be a great addition to the group.”