Springboks open to Jacques Nienaber input on 2027 World Cup defence

Senior coach Jacques Nienaber during a Leinster Rugby squad training session at UCD in Dublin. Pic: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile

The Springboks are open to the idea of Jacques Nienaber returning to the coaching fold in time for their shot at a third straight World Cup crown in 2027.

The former Bok head coach has signed an extended contract with Leinster that will take him up to the end of the 2026-27campaign but, in an interview this week with South African TV, admitted that he ‘misses’ the Springboks.

That the interview was held in the South African squad’s Dublin hotel only highlights the close relationship that remains between Nienaber and current head coach Rassie Erasmus with whom he masterminded the 2019 and 2023 World Cup successes.

Former Munster and Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery is the current defence coach with the Boks but Erasmus, while being sure not to tread on any toes, would clearly be interested in having such a sharp operator at his side for the global get together in Australia.

“I see a world where... I had lunch with him yesterday, we always see each other whenever there's an opportunity,” said Erasmus on Thursday after naming his team for Saturday’s Test. “When he comes to South Africa or we flew over here.

“But no, we would never want to ruin his relationship and reputation here in Ireland, so, but if Jacques tells me, or Ireland allow him to consult in the year of 2027, and we have the money to afford him in that year, there's no egos in our management coaching team.

“A brain like him will... but I think the Irish might also use him, or the English might use him if he's got that. I don't know what his contacts say exactly, but yes, we will have a look at that.”