Jacques Nienaber: Who is the ‘first family’ behind Boks coach?

Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber has been, for the most part, praised for his ingenuity when it comes to nurturing and supporting the talent of the national team.

This was evident during his squad selection for the upcoming quarter-final Rugby World Cup game between South Africa and France.

But who is the man who lives light out of the limelight? And, who is the first family behind the Boks, that always has his back?

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JACQUES NIENABER: MAN WITH A PLAN?

On Friday, Jacques Nienaber announced the squad that would be facing the host country. 

The Springboks coach was praised for selecting “experienced” players, who collectively boast over 600 test match appearances.

He said of his choice: “Most of these players have Rugby World Cup experience, and several of them were involved in the 2019 final, so they know what it takes to perform in big moments.

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He continued: “Twenty of these players were also in the matchday squad that played France in Marseille last season, which was a good dress rehearsal for what we can expect from France and their supporters.”

LOW KEY KIND OF GUY

Jacques Nienaber – who went to the prestigious rugby school Greys College – is known for being soaring under the radar both personally and professionally.

In fact, he’s made mention of the fact that he hates attention or public praise.

He told TimesLive: “I just don’t like that there is a fuss about me. If my folks took me to Spur for my birthday and they brought sparklers,  I would have got up and left. I don’t like it because I’m almost shy like that. I still want to eat, but don’t make a scene.”

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The rugby fanatic – who met Rassie Erasmus in the army – began his career with the Frees State Cheetahs and coached both SA and Irish clubs Stormers and Munster, respectively.

After helping the Springboks win the Rugby World Cup as an assistant coach in 2019, Jacques Nienaber was promoted to head coach in 2020.

WHO IS HIS WIFE AND KIDS?

Jacques Nienaber is married to Elmarie, and both are qualified physiotherapists. The couple met while studying at the University of Free State together.

Jacques and Elmarie have been married for over two decades and have two children: son Carlo and daughter Lilo.

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Elmarie – a striking blonde – is often seen in the stadium stands cheering on her husband. She’s even in France, and she is providing support not only to her spouse but also to the Springboks WAGS.

She’s even attended the bachelorette party of Damian De Allende’s fiancee Domenica Vigliotti.

Jacques told TimesLive of his hands-on wife: “We have an open environment in the team in terms of having wives and family around. We try and make it as family-friendly as possible.”

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