Jacques Nienaber's Leinster future has been put to bed

Leinster have ended speculation over Jacques Nienaber’s future by confirming that the senior coach has signed a new contract through until the end of the 2026/27 season.

Nienaber, who joined the province last year after guiding South Africa to a second successive Rugby World Cup, has been joined in committing his future by fellow senior coaches Robin McBryde and Tyler Bleyendaal.

The news comes a week out from the start of Leinster’s BKT United Rugby Championship campaign away to the DHL Stormers in Cape Town.

Head coach Leo Cullen said the extensions underline the continuity within his backroom team.

“I think we can all appreciate the work that Robin, Jacques and Tyler have done but also the mark that they have left and are leaving on Leinster in their time here.

“They have all brought tons of relevant experience and a different perspective to how we do things and I think that’s hugely important for the development of our group, that we hear other voices and other ways of operating.

“It’s not just around the senior team as well, you see it with our academy players and the work that they do visiting the clubs and the schools and giving freely of their time. I’m delighted to have them all on board again.”

Leinster also confirmed the creation of a new provincial kicking coach role to strengthen alignment between the club, schools and player pathway. Emmet Farrell, a former Leinster outhalf and long-time lead performance analyst, has been appointed. He will continue in his current capacity as senior team kicking coach.

With Farrell’s promotion, Brian Colclough steps up as lead performance analyst. Colclough has been with the province since 2016/17 and recently worked with Samoa at the Rugby World Cup, as well as with Ireland during this summer’s Tests against Georgia and Portugal.

Cullen said Farrell’s appointment and Colclough’s elevation are part of a process of continuity.

“I am also delighted for Emmet, someone who has been a key part of the success of this club on and off the field for more than 20 years, that he gets an opportunity to continue to grow as a coach and that others will benefit, not just ourselves based here in UCD.

“That consistency and alignment is crucial for us between what we are doing here in UCD and the brilliant work underway in our pathways and at the Ken Wall Centre of Excellence in Energia Park.

“That new role for Emmet offers an opportunity for Brian to move up and also for Juliette Fortune to move up to a more senior role in the analysis team, and I am delighted for them both. They both started with us as interns and it’s brilliant to see them continue their professional journey with us at Leinster.”