Former Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman says Leinster senior coach Jacques Nienaber has been let down by those who love Irish rugby.
Nienaber’s future at Leinster has become a major talking point following their 41-19 defeat to Bordeaux Bègles in the Investec Champions Cup final and his candid comments this week about not feeling valued in Ireland.
NIENABER: People don’t value me here
Jackman believes much of the criticism levelled at Nienaber is misplaced.
“I’ve always been a fan of Jacques,” he told Rugby365. “I think he’s an amazing human being and coach.”
Jackman questioned whether Leinster have given Nienaber – who operates under head coach Leo Cullen – enough authority to fully implement his vision.
“I listened to his comments, and it looks like he hasn’t been given the full reins and the full power he needs,” he said.
“If you have him as your senior coach, he’s the most proven coach in that room and everything should be dictated by him, in my opinion.”
MORE: ‘Nienaber not where Leinster’s problem is’
According to Jackman, Nienaber enjoys strong backing within the squad but has not received the same support externally.
“The players are very fond of him and believe in him, but he feels that the fans or the media are against him, and that’s not good.
“That’s a failing on our part, as people who love Irish rugby. I think we haven’t done right by him and supported him.
“He’s a winner and wants to be in an environment where everything is geared towards winning. I hope we are lucky enough to keep him.”
Photo: James Crombie/INPHO
The post ‘We haven’t done right by Jacques’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman says Leinster senior coach Jacques Nienaber has been let down by those who love Irish rugby.
The post ‘We haven’t done right by Jacques’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
