Jacques Nienaber has revealed his reasons for leaving the Springboks to join Irish team Leinster for the 2023/24 season, a move that surprised many who expected him to continue with the national team.
EMBRACING A NEW CHALLENGE
Having been a key part of Rassie Erasmus’ coaching team and closely working with the Director of Rugby for many years, Nienaber’s shift to Leinster represents a significant change. Nienaber mentioned that his decision was influenced by the desire to challenge himself and step out of his comfort zone.
In an interview with the Leinster website, Nienaber emphasized the high standards at Leinster, noting, “There’s no place for mediocrity here. The quality of what Leinster delivers on the pitch clearly shows that. It’s this kind of challenge I was looking for.”
He further explained that while he experienced no mediocrity in South Africa, the move to Ireland also aligned with personal and family reasons, alongside the professional challenge.
“The demands from both the coaches and the players at Leinster are high. They are top international players with numerous accolades, which keeps you constantly on your toes,” he said.
FAMILIARITY WITH IRELAND AS A DECIDING FACTOR
Nienaber also acknowledged that his previous coaching stint in Ireland with Munster played a role in his decision to move back. His familiarity with the country and the positive experiences he and his family had during their time in Ireland made the transition easier.
“We’ve always been open and honest about our affection for Ireland. After our previous time here, life took us back to South Africa, but returning to Ireland felt right for us,” Nienaber concluded.
