Munster wanted Nienaber to succeed Erasmus as head coach before Boks intervened

Munster were eyeing defence guru Jacques Nienaber as a head coach for the province before Rassie Erasmus snapped him up for his Springbok masterplan to conquer the world.

Former Munster Rugby chief Garrett Fitzgerald has revealed that they wanted to keep Nienaber and Welsh S&C coach Aled Walters, but Erasmus recognised the quality ticket he had at his disposal and took them with him to South Africa - returning to secure the services of Munster’s own Felix Jones. Nienaber is now fancied to be confirmed as the new head coach of the world champions.