Leinster Rugby have moved to downplay speculation surrounding the future of senior coach Jacques Nienaber, affirming their expectation that the current coaching setup will remain intact for the 2025–26 season.
Reports in recent weeks had linked Nienaber with a potential return to the South African national team setup, stirring uncertainty about his role at the province. However, sources within Leinster have confirmed that there are no plans for changes in the backroom team, and that Nienaber, along with head coach Leo Cullen and the wider staff, are expected to continue their work in Dublin.
Nienaber, who joined Leinster in 2023 after leading South Africa to back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs as head coach and defensive strategist, has brought a sharper edge to the province’s defensive play. His contract runs until the summer of 2026, and the 51-year-old has publicly expressed satisfaction with life at Leinster.
Addressing the speculation, Nienaber said earlier this month: “I am fully committed to Leinster. I enjoy the day-to-day work here, the time with players, and the competitive rhythm of the club season. I am not planning on leaving.”
Leinster finished top of the United Rugby Championship (URC) regular season and reached the semi-finals of both the URC and the Champions Cup. Despite narrowly missing out on silverware, there is a strong belief that continuity in the coaching setup is vital to mounting another strong challenge next season.
Club insiders point to Nienaber’s impact, particularly in building a more structured defensive approach, and see his continued presence as crucial to Leinster’s ambitions of returning to the top of European rugby.
With pre-season preparations set to begin in July, the province will be eager to silence any lingering doubt and focus fully on the season ahead.
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