There is growing speculation around Jacques Nienaber’s next move, with a possible return to the Springboks ahead of the 2027 World Cup on the cards.

The former Bok head coach, who guided South Africa to back-to-back World Cup titles in 2019 (as assistant) and 2023 (as head coach), joined Leinster as a senior coach last year. His impact at the Irish province has been immediate and immense, particularly on defence.

Under Nienaber’s watch, Leinster produced two defensive masterclasses in the Champions Cup playoffs, shutting out Harlequins 62-0 and then-URC champions Glasgow Warriors 52-0. Although they fell short in the semi-finals with a narrow defeat to Northampton Saints, they rebounded to win their first-ever URC title, dismantling the Vodacom Bulls 32-7 in the final at Loftus Versfeld.

However, according to the Irish Mirror, fears are mounting that Nienaber may soon depart the Dublin-based club, with an announcement potentially imminent.

“Jacques has been part of two Springbok World Cup winning squads and yet is still only an assistant coach at albeit one of the best clubs in the world,” a source told the Irish Mirror.

“But Leinster are not, and never will be, prestigious wage payers and he could probably treble, quadruple his money at some of the bigger Top 14 clubs or at one or two English clubs, depending on their owners’ whims.”

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Nienaber, who is contracted at Leinster until July 2026, is reportedly attracting interest from top French and English clubs, as well as SA Rugby. While he is known for his loyalty and professionalism, the timing of a potential move may suit both parties.

“Jacques is a very conscientious individual and would not want the story at the back end of a season which was fraught with difficulties in Leinster’s case, to get diverted to being about him,” the source added.

“I don’t think Jacques owes Leinster anything, he contributed very much to their success this season.

“But with a potential extraordinary treble on offer with South Africa or the possibility of becoming a €1-million per season coach at a wealthy French club, the question starts to come down to what he thinks is best for his career and family in the long run.”

Should Nienaber return to the Springboks, it would be with one clear goal: helping the team secure an unprecedented third straight World Cup title in Australia in 2027.

Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images

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