Former Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has signed a contract extending his stay at Leinster Rugby until the end of the 2026/2027 season.
The South African signed with the Irish giants following the Boks’ successful defence of the Rugby World Cup in 2023. Since, he has helped Leinster to a United Rugby Championship title and two Champions Cup finals.
At an open training session in Wicklow RFC on Monday, Leinster Rugby head coach Leo Cullen confirmed that Nienaber, along with Robin McBryde and Tyler Bleyendaal, had all signed contract extensions with Leinster until the conclusion of the 2026/27 season.
“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 in their time here,” said Cullen.
“They have all brought tons of relevant experience and a different perspective to how we do things and I think that’s hugely important for the development of our group, that we hear other voices and other ways of operating.
“It’s not just around the senior team as well, you see it with our Academy players and the work that they do visiting the clubs and the schools and giving freely of their time. I’m delighted to have them all on board again.”
There was speculation that the Kimberley native may soon return to his homeland to link up with the Boks and chase an unprecedented third RWC title. The 2027 season ends in June and the RWC only starts in October, though that leaves precious little time for Nienaber to be useful, should he be offered.
