The recent contract signings from James Lowe and Josh van der Flier have been left in the dust by the announcement from Leinster rugby that South Africa's head coach Jacques Nienaber will be joining the province after the World Cup.
There have been many names bandied about in conversations over Stuart Lancaster's replacement, with the likes of Scott Robertson and Noel McNamara rumoured, and the option of Andrew Goodman stepping up mentioned, to the role of what is effectively head coach in all but writing.
Nienaber - who has worked with the Stormers and Munster in the past - is yet another statement of intent from the province, showing that their reign as one of Europe's most dominant clubs will not be ending any time soon.
Current Head coach Leo Cullen, who is in South Africa with the squad, welcomed the announcement via Leinsterrugby.ie:
We are delighted to confirm that Jacques Nienaber will be joining Leinster Rugby next season.
Jacques is a world class coach with a winning track record at the very highest level of the game, and we’re all looking forward to learning from him over the coming seasons.
With the addition of the South African teams to the BKT URC Championship and the Heineken Champions Cup, Jacques’ in-depth knowledge and experience of working with the Springboks will be a great addition to the group.
We are all really excited to welcome Jacques and his family to Leinster after the Rugby World Cup and I’m sure all Leinster fans will give him a warm welcome when he arrives.
Jacques Nienaber Joins Leinster Rugby
4 October 2017; Munster defence coach Jacques Nienaber in conversation with technical coach Felix Jones during Munster Rugby Squad Training at the University of Limerick in Limerick. Photo by Diarmuid Greene/Sportsfile
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“The anticipation and excitement are building as we prepare to defend the Rugby World Cup title," said Nienaber.
“It continues to be an amazing time with the Springboks and it’s a privilege to be involved in my third World Cup after 2011 and 2019. Being in a World Cup year my focus will be back on defending the title back-to-back.
“It is always hard to leave an institution that have provided you with so much honour, joy and fulfilment but the only constant in life is change. At the end of the World Cup myself and my family will leave to Ireland to join up with Leinster Rugby.
“When the time is right, I will be looking forward to new and exciting challenges.
“The club is renowned as a quality and high performance environment and it’s an honour to join up with Leinster and I look forward to contributing to that after the World Cup.”
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