Jacques Nienaber left his role as Springbok head coach after winning the World Cup to take up a role as Leinster coach. Picture: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
Jacques Nienaber has been linked with a return to the Springboks once he completes his shift with Irish club Leinster.
Nienaber signed off from the Springboks after helping to guide South Africa to a successful World Cup title defence and will now join eight-time Vodacom URC winners Leinster in December.
When the Springboks touched down in South Africa from the World Cup, Nienaber said during a press conference at OR Tambo International that he was open to returning to the setup.
According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, Nienaber’s contract with Leinster runs until June 2026, one month before the start of that year’s Test calendar. Therein lies the opportunity for Rassie Erasmus to recall Nienaber to the Springboks in time for the next World Cup in Australia in 2027.
In the meantime, Erasmus is set to take on the responsibilities as head coach, with the majority of South Africa’s coaching staff having extended their contracts. Only assistant coach Felix Jones has departed to take up a role in Steve Borthwick’s England management team.
Erasmus reportedly already has a list of names that he will present to SA Rugby to replace Jones and Nienaber (defence coach).
This article was first published on sarugbymag.co.za. It is republished here with permission.
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