Jacques Nienaber to step down as Springbok coach after the World Cup

“The decision is made and that’s firmly behind me now. My sole focus is on seeing the Springboks defend the Rugby World Cup title this year. I will continue to channel all my energy into ensuring that we leave no stone unturned to achieve that.” 

“Jacques was very open with us about the reasons for wanting to leave South Africa at the end of the season,” added SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer. 

“We will confirm a successor in the title role of Springbok coach in due course — that planning will go on in the background, but Rassie Erasmus’ services are locked in to the end of 2025 at the very least.” 

Nienaber has served in several roles within South African rugby structures, which include being a Springbok assistant coach at the 2011 and 2019 Rugby World Cups before stepping into the head coaching role in 2020. 

“Jacques has been a great servant of South African rugby at provincial and national level for two decades but now is not the time for thank you,” said SA Rugby president Mark Alexander.