Jacques Nienaber
IrelandcoachMaleb. 19715.7Global Dominance: 0.00%Jacques Nienaber is a South African rugby union coach known for his strategic acumen and leadership skills. He has been a key figure in the development of the Springbok team, contributing to their success in major tournaments, including their victory in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
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Recent news mentions
What of Jacques Nienaber? In many circles, it’s widely accepted that his return to the Springboks is a fait accompli once the next domestic season ends.
Four of the most likely candidates to replace Leo Cullen at Leinster next summer – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-06-23
Jacques Nienaber is expected to return to the Springboks fold at the end of next season.
Who will succeed Leo Cullen at Leinster? Ronan O’Gara is among the intriguing possibilities – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-06-22
Jacques Nienaber deserves a fairer hearing too.
Players emerging from private schools are super athletes but lack rugby IQ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-06-03
There is no doubt Jacques Nienaber is a fine coach.
Leo Cullen helps make Leinster amazing, but big changes are needed under him – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-05-28
Jacques Nienaber faced disappointment as the arrival of Leinster’s mini-bomb squad failed to change the course of the game.
Leinster take narrow defeat against Cardiff after leaving comeback too late – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-02-28
Jacques Nienaber's arrival at Leinster has significantly changed their defensive system.
After that win at Twickenham, a few home truths about Ireland – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-02-27
Jacques Nienaber's defensive system has been said to destabilise the province and Ireland.
We could be witnessing the start of Irish rugby’s decline – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-02-10
Former Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber comes off contract at Leinster midway through 2027.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt rules himself out of race
Australia· 2026-01-25
Jacques Nienaber is the coach of Leinster and has faced criticism for the team's defensive performance.
What’s going on with Leinster’s defence? – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-01-15
Jacques Nienaber knows there comes a point where you have to respect a player’s wish to move on.
Leinster coach admits he would be sad to see ‘outstanding bloke’ Ciarán Frawley leave – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-12-23
Jacques Nienaber, alongside Rassie Erasmus, made crucial decisions regarding player selections in the Rugby World Cup.
Rassie is ours, all of ours! – The Mail & Guardian
South Africa· 2025-12-11
Nienaber has told us that he misses the Springbok set-up.
Is rugby failing its supporters? – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-12-08
Jacques Nienaber had to defend the squad-selection policy for the annual tour.
Dan Sheehan won’t lose sleep over ban as it rules him out of games he was unlikely to play in – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-06
This was a throwback performance, the kind Leinster haven’t needed to dig out too often in recent seasons, one that evoked memories of the day they finally beat La Rochelle, with Jacques Nienaber newly installed.
If Leinster has learned anything, it’s that nothing is guaranteed. Good teams lose. – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-06-18
Jacques Nienaber is mentioned as the coach facing challenges with the Leinster defense during a crucial match.
Unless Leinster’s defence wake up they will be left dreaming of what might have been – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-06-06
Leinster, under South African defence coach Jacques Nienaber, will have tried to adopt some of that Springbok edge.
Leinster don’t need to act like South Africa, but they can learn from their winning mentality – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-06-04
Jacques Nienaber is the former Springboks head coach who commented on the gamesmanship involved in the match.
Sharks’ shameful antics against Munster betrayed the moral code that makes rugby special – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-06-03
Jacques Nienaber is noted as a coach who will not determine Leinster's success this season.
The greatest danger to Leinster could come from within – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-05-28
Jacques Nienaber is part of the coaching staff that has helped shape Leinster's playing style.
Leinster rugby needs to find a fresh approach to break its losing streak – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-05-10
Jacques Nienaber is mentioned alongside Leo Cullen in the context of the Lions' squad selection.
Lions selections cap bittersweet week for Leinster after Northampton defeat – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-05-09
Jacques Nienaber's rushing defensive system was effectively deconstructed by Northampton's attacking game plan.
Ugly sense of entitlement has seeped into Irish rugby fan culture – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-05-09
Leinster senior coach Jacques Nienaber commented on the seriousness of Caelan Doris's injury.
Caelan Doris doubtful for Lions tour after suffering shoulder injury – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-05-06
Jacques Nienaber's defence was criticized for leaking five tries during the match.
Owen Doyle: The laws of the game are clearIreland· 2025-05-05
Jacques Nienaber is under contract next season alongside Leo Cullen.
Leo Cullen under scrutiny after Leinster loss to Northampton – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-05-05
Jacques Nienaber's defensive strategy for Leinster was described as steely.
Northampton stun Leinster with heroic victory to reach Champions Cup final | Champions Cup
United Kingdom· 2025-05-03
The arrival of coach Jacques Nienaber has transformed the way Leinster address their defence.
Dan Sheehan keeping his eye firmly focused on the bigger picture – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-05-01
Jacques Nienaber is a qualified physiotherapist and defence specialist who has significantly contributed to South Africa's Rugby World Cup victories and Leinster's recent success.
How Jacques Nienaber made Leinster’s defence thrive on the knife edge – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-04-17A hallmark of Jacques Nienaber’s system is that, while sides might break the line.
Leo Cullen’s side aims for Champions Cup semi-finals – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-04-11
Jacques Nienaber was the then new defence coach for Leinster.
Rhapsody in blue as Leinster attack finally fires on all cylinders – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-04-07
Jacques Nienaber has made Leinster’s defence a rock on which many opponents have perished this season.
Leinster’s ball-carrying edge should win the day over Harlequins – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-04-05
