Jacques Nienaber’s potential return to South Africa in 2027 would be a major coup, regardless of his next coaching role, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for the Sunday Times, Keohane believes the former Springbok coach’s contribution to South African rugby should never be underestimated, particularly his role in the back-to-back World Cup triumphs of 2019 and 2023.
Nienaber’s Leinster have won successive URC titles and reached two Investec Champions Cup finals, further demonstrating his coaching credentials.
Keohane argues that while Nienaber’s partnership with Rassie Erasmus was instrumental in transforming the Boks into world champions, his individual brilliance deserves greater recognition.
“Nienaber was the head coach. That should never be forgotten.”
The 54-year-old’s defensive systems were central to their success, while his meticulous preparation helped the Boks win three successive World Cup knockout matches by a single point in 2023.
Keohane recalls interviewing Nienaber before last season’s Champions Cup final, when the coach emphasised that past achievements counted for nothing.
“You earn the right to a result through performance on the day, not because of what you did the match beforehand,” Nienaber said, while acknowledging the challenges of adapting his coaching approach to different players and environments.
“I felt, in the beginning, I wasn’t good enough to move between those levels,” he admitted.
For Keohane, that humility and willingness to improve are among Nienaber’s greatest strengths.
ALSO: Nienaber’s new boss named
With his Leinster contract ending in June 2027, Keohane believes South African rugby should welcome his return, whether in the Springbok setup, a high-performance role or at club level.
“South African rugby needs minds like Nienaber’s.”
Photo: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images
The post SA rugby needs Nienaber back appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Jacques Nienaber’s potential return to South Africa in 2027 would be a major coup, regardless of his next coaching role, writes MARK KEOHANE.
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