The current head coach of the South African national rugby team, Jacques Nienaber, has stated his desire to quit after this year’s Rugby World Cup in France to become the senior coach of the Irish club Leinster.
Following the 2019 World Cup in Japan, Rassie Erasmus returned to his post as director of rugby, and the Springboks elevated Nienaber to head coach.
They’ve known each other for a long time and previously worked together in South Africa and at the Irish club Munster.
The preceding few years have been the pinnacle of my coaching career, therefore it’s with a heavy heart that I’m finishing up my time with the Springboks and leaving the country for personal reasons, Nienaber said in a South African Rugby press statement on Saturday.
That’s all resolved, and I’m moving on. Nothing else matters to me this year except witnessing the Springboks successfully defend their Rugby World Cup title. I’m going to keep doing all I can to make sure we find every conceivable method to make it happen.
Leo Cullen is looking forward to working with current Leinster coach Stuart Lancaster when he leaves for Racing 92 at the end of the season.
On the club’s website, Cullen said, “We’re all looking forward to learning from him over the coming seasons.” “Jacques is a world-class coach with a proven track record of success at the highest levels of the game.”
“With the addition of South African teams to the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup, Jacques’ in-depth knowledge and experience working with the Springboks will be a great asset to the group.”
South African Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer said that Erasmus would not be following Nienaber out the door any time soon.
Rassie Erasmus’ services will be assured until at least the end of 2025, according to him. “We will confirm a successor in the title role of Springbok coach in due course – that planning will be ongoing in the background,” he stated.
South Africa will compete against Ireland and Scotland in the World Cup pool stage on September 8th. If they get it out of the group round, they would most likely face France or New Zealand in the quarterfinals.
