Cape Town – Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber will step down as coach after the Rugby World Cup later this year, SA Rugby announced on Saturday.
He is set to take a coaching position with Leinster in Ireland next year.
According to SA Rugby, Nienaber cited personal reasons for the decision.
He, however, assured South Africans that his focus remained on the major task of the year, which was to give everything in the Springboks’ defence of their Rugby World Cup title.
“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.
“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,” Nienaber said.
Nienaber has served several roles within the South African rugby structures, which include as a Springbok assistant coach at the 2011 and 2019 Rugby World Cup’s before stepping into the head coaching role in 2020.
Leinster Rugby have today confirmed that current South Africa Head Coach, Jacques Nienaber, will join the club after the Rugby World Cup later this year.⁰⁰Nienaber will replace current Senior Coach, Stuart Lancaster, who leaves Leinster at the end of the season to join Racing pic.twitter.com/Leq39TPZwc
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) April 15, 2023
He had succeeded Rassie Erasmus, who is now SA Rugby Director.
Rian Oberholzer, SA Rugby CEO, said: “Jacques was very open with us about the reasons for wanting to leave South Africa at the end of the season. 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.”
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.”
Meanwhile, Leinster Rugby said Nienaber will replace current Senior Coach, Stuart Lancaster, who leaves at the end of the season to join Racing 92.
“We are delighted to confirm that Jacques Nienaber will be joining Leinster Rugby next season.
“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.
“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.
“We are all really excited to welcome Jacques and his family to Leinster after the Rugby World Cup and I’m sure all Leinster fans will give him a warm welcome when he arrives,” coach Leo Cullen said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
