Nienaber to leave Springboks after upcoming Rugby World Cup
South Africa's head coach Jacques Nienaber before the start of the Rugby Championship test between South Africa and Argentina at Kings Park Stadium in Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. Jacques Nienaber will step down as South Africa’s coach after the Rugby World Cup to take up a role at Irish province Leinster. Credit: AP/Themba Hadebe
CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Jacques Nienaber will step down as South Africa's coach after the Rugby World Cup to take up a role at Irish province Leinster, the teams said Saturday.
Nienaber has been head coach of the world champion Springboks since 2020, having previously had several roles within the South African rugby structures include as an assistant coach for the national team at the 2011 and 2019 World Cups.
He said it was “with a heavy heart” that he was leaving his position.
“The decision is made and that’s firmly behind me now," Nienaber said. "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.”
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer said the organization will confirm a successor to Nienaber “in due course.”
The World Cup takes place in France starting in September.
Leinster is one of Europe's top rugby teams. Nienaber will replace current coach Stuart Lancaster, who is leaving at the end of the season to join Racing 92 in France.
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