World Cup-winning coach Jacques Nienaber has confirmed his future coaching plans, amid speculation of a reunion with Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks.
Nienaber has committed his future to Leinster, signing a new deal that will keep him at the province until 2027. The announcement, confirmed by the Irish Examiner, sees the South African put to rest speculation over a possible return to the Bok setup ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
Nienaber, who was assistant to Rassie Erasmus in 2019 and head coach when South Africa retained the Webb Ellis Cup in 2023, joined Leinster two seasons ago, replacing Stuart Lancaster.
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He has implemented an aggressive defensive system and overseen significant structural changes across the squad, winning Leinster’s first URC title since the inclusion of the South African unions, though the approach faced scrutiny after last season’s Champions Cup quarter-final defeat to the Northampton Saints.
𝘿𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙡
Robin McBryde, Jacques Nienaber and Tyler Bleyendaal have all signed contract extensions with Leinster until the end of the 2026/27 season!
Read more here: https://t.co/sYLpxIh6JI#NeverLessThanEverything pic.twitter.com/04a5thn4d6
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) September 15, 2025
Alongside Nienaber, assistants Robin McBryde and Tyler Bleyendaal have also extended their contracts. Emmet Farrell moves from analysis to provincial kicking coach, while Brian Colclough and Juliette Fortune will lead the senior analysis team.
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Leinster director Leo Cullen, who himself signed until 2027 last year, emphasised the value of continuity in building towards the club’s first European title since 2018.
“I think we can all appreciate the work that Robin, Jacques and Tyler have done but also the mark that they have left and are leaving on Leinster,” Cullen said. “They have brought tonnes of relevant experience and a different perspective. It’s hugely important for the development of our group.”
Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
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