Irish giants Leinster have confirmed that outgoing Springbok boss Jacques Nienaber will take over as head coach at the club after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Nienaber, who announced on Saturday that he will vacate his current post at the conclusion of the Boks’ world title defence in France, will replace Stuart Lancaster at the Dublin-based outfit after he joins French Top 14 side Racing 92.
“We are delighted to confirm that Jacques Nienaber will be joining Leinster Rugby next season,” Leinster boss Leo Cullen told the club’s official website.
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“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 United Rugby Championship and the 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.”
On Nienaber’s appointment, Leinster Rugby CEO Shane Nolan commented: “Since my arrival, Leo’s contract extension and then Stuart’s replacement have been key priorities and it’s great to now get Jacques’ signature across the line.
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“He brings incredible experience and pedigree to the role. He knows the Irish system well, as he does the URC and its demands. And obviously, his in-depth knowledge of South African rugby is incredibly valuable as we see both the URC and the Champions Cup competitions evolve year on year with the introduction of the South African clubs.”
Nienaber added: “It is always hard to leave an institution that have provided you with so much honour, joy and fulfilment but the only constant in life is change. At the end of the World Cup myself and my family will leave to Ireland to join up with Leinster Rugby.
“When the time is right, I will be looking forward to new and exciting challenges. The club is renowned as a quality and high performance environment and it’s an honour to join up with Leinster and I look forward to contributing to that after the World Cup.”
Photo: @Springboks/Twitter