Jacques Nienaber left the national camp after the last World Cup to take up a gig with Leinster, while Jerry Flannery took up a new role as Springbok defence coach.
Most of the Springbok coach staff under Rassie Erasmus was retained, with even Felix Jones returning after a brief stint with England, and this season there have also been numerous fans calling for Nienaber to return and complete the coaching ‘dream team’.
There have been times this season where the Springbok defence hasn’t looked as cohesive or impenetrable as in the past, but a lot of complaints will also be quickly forgotten in the wake of the historic win over the All Blacks last Saturday.
Whatever the case may be, Nienaber is currently committed to Leinster, and although his initial contract was set to expire after the 2025-26 season, he has made a big career decision after signing a new deal that will keep him at the Irish province until 2027.
Jacques Nienaber won’t return to Springboks before next World Cup
During an interview towards the end of last year, Nienaber already said he was extremely happy with his current job position, and that he had needed a change from the rigours of international coaching.
“It is absolutely the right time for me, my family and my coaching journey, and being tested daily, to be here now,” he posted on social media last October.
“But that is not to dismiss what I did before now, what I loved to do before now or to dismiss what might come down the line. But for now, I am happy here at Leinster.”
