Breaking: Jacques Nienaber named as new Springbok head coach

Jacques Nienaber has been named as new Springbok coach, taking over the reins from Rassie Erasmus.

Erasmus vacated the hot seat after guiding the men in green to a Rugby World Cup title in Japan. This marked an end to a successful tenure where – along with the game’s biggest prize – the Boks also claimed their maiden Rugby Championship crown.

New Springbok coach appointed

In what has been the worst-kept secret in rugby circles, Nienaber succeeds the former Cheetahs captain, who had operated in a dual role as SA Rugby’s director of cricket, as well as the Boks’ head coach.

The new man is charge is far from a stranger to the national setup, having been part of the backroom staff of the world champions, working as defence coach.

His appointment comes soon after the departure of one of the members of the technical staff, Matthew Proudfoot, departed to join England as forwards coach ahead of the Six Nations.

The Springboks have retained Mzwandile Stick, who reprises his role as assistant coach, while former Ireland winger Felix Jones occupies a new position as Europe-based coaching consultant.

Former Southern Kings mentor Deon Davids slots into the post vacated by Proudfoot, sharing duties with former Bulls and Toulon prop Daan Human.

Rassie’s long history with Jacques Nienaber

Nienaber’s working relationship with Erasmus goes as far back as 2004, when he was roped in as strength and conditioning coach for the Free State Cheetahs.

This was shortly after Erasmus had hung up his boots, immediately taking up coaching.

The duo were present when the Cheetahs took part in Super Rugby for the first time in 2006, with Nienaber reprising his role from the Currie Cup side.

With Erasmus moving to the Stormers in 2008, Nienaber also followed, taking up the role of defence coach.

After helping the Cape-based Super Rugby franchise, as well as Western Province to cup finals, he eventually joined the Springboks, forming part of Heyneke Meyer’s backroom staff in 2011.

He would reunite with Erasmus in 2016, when the ex-Bok took up the director of rugby role at Munster, and the duo would again work together when Erasmus replaced Allister Coetzee as Springboks in 2018.