Rugby

South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber to join Leinster after World Cup

Coach will replace Stuart Lancaster as senior coach, with the Englishman moving to French side Racing 92

South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber. Photograph: Ben Whitley/PA Wire

Sat Apr 15 2023 - 13:42

South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber will leave his role after the 2023 World Cup in France before joining up with Leinster, the governing body has announced.

Nienaber, who has been in charge of the Springboks since January 2020, will replace Stuart Lancaster as senior coach at Leinster, with the Englishman set to move to French side Racing 92 at the end of the season.

“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, who was assistant coach under Rassie Erasmus when South Africa won the 2019 World Cup.

“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.

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“I will continue to channel all my energy into ensuring that we leave no stone unturned to achieve that.”

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen said on the club’s website: “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 are all looking forward to learning from him over the coming seasons.”

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