Jacques Nienaber Signs Long-Term Deal With Leinster Amid Springboks Return Speculation

• Fans and analysts have been abuzz with speculation over Jacques Nienaber’s next move, with questions swirling about where the two-time World Cup winner will go next
• His name has also been strongly linked with the Bulls' job, adding fuel to the speculation as South African rugby waits to see where the respected coach will resurface
• But new developments have emerged overseas, pointing to a twist in his coaching journey that could finally bring the uncertainty to an end

Speculation over Jacques Nienaber’s coaching future has dominated rugby circles in recent weeks, with many wondering if the two-time Rugby World Cup winner might reunite with Rassie Erasmus at the Springboks. Others even linked him with a return to South Africa to take charge of the Bulls.

But fresh developments have shifted the picture entirely. The position at the Bulls, once tipped for Nienaber, has already been filled by Johan Ackermann. And reports from Planet Rugby suggest the idea of him slotting back into the Bok setup may no longer be realistic.

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Instead, the former Springbok coach has committed to an extended stay in Ireland. His contract with Leinster has been renewed until the end of the 2026/27 season, where he continues to serve as senior coach under director of rugby Leo Cullen.

Watch the video below of Jacques Nienaber during his time with the Springboks.

Erasmus and Nienaber have worked together successfully in the past

It is a role that builds on a relationship forged years ago. Nienaber and Erasmus first worked together at Munster before joining forces again in 2017, when Erasmus recruited him to the Springboks.

Nienaber went on to mastermind the Boks’ defence in 2019, playing a pivotal role in their World Cup triumph, before stepping up as head coach in 2023.

Erasmus continues to shape SA rugby

Meanwhile, Erasmus continues to have a significant impact on South African rugby. On Sunday, 24 August 2025, he received the Ministerial Excellence Award at the South African Sports Awards.

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With back-to-back World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023 to his name, his bold tactical vision has won him both domestic praise and global acclaim.

His current deal runs until 2027, but according to Rapport, negotiations about an extension are already underway.

Take a look at the tweet below by Leinster:

Many analysts are calling for Nienaber’s return to the Springboks

Despite Erasmus’ achievements, many analysts believe the Boks are missing the edge that came with Nienaber’s defensive systems and leadership. His absence, they argue, has left a gap in South Africa’s armoury.

Rugby commentator Zels expressed this view on the Keo & Zels Show:

“The Boks won’t win the next World Cup without Jacques Nienaber. Rassie and Jacques together are the winning package, and Jacques has got to come back and be the defence coach for the Boks to win the next World Cup. I think Rassie knows that better than anybody else. Jacques does come back; he is the missing piece at the moment.”

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Heyneke Meyer in talks for return to SA rugby

Briefly News previously reported that Former Springboks head coach Heyneke Meyer could be on the verge of a coaching comeback in South Africa, with negotiations reportedly at an advanced stage.

The move would see the 57-year-old reconnect with familiar territory, a union that shaped the early part of his provincial career.

Source: Briefly News