South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber will join Leinster's coaching staff at the conclusion of this year's Rugby World Cup.
He will replace Stewart Lancaster, who is set to depart Leinster and become director of rugby at Racing 92 at the end of the season.
Speaking ahead of this afternoon's game with the Emirates Lions in Johannesburg, Leinster boss Leo Cullen highlighted Nienaber's credentials and said he is looking forward to welcoming him to Leinster.
READ MORE: Leinster v Lions LIVE updates
Speaking to leinsterrugby.ie Cullen said, “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.”
The 50-year-old has experience of working in Ireland and was assistant coach to Rassie Erasmus at Munster between 2016 and 2017.
Nienaber took over as Springboks boss shortly after the 2019 Rugby World Cup triumph and led his side to a series win over the British and Irish Lions in the Summer of 2021.
Speaking about the move, Nienaber revealed that he is looking forward to moving back to Ireland, but stressed that his full focus will be on winning the World Cup with South Africa later this year.
“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.”
The news comes as a major shock to South African, who will attempt to become just the second team in history to win the World Cup back-to-back.
A statement read: “Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber will finish his run as the national coach at the conclusion of the team’s Rugby World Cup campaign in France before taking up a position in Leinster’s coaching ranks in Ireland next year.
“Nienaber cited personal reasons for the decision, but said his focus remained on the major task of the year, which was to give everything in the Springboks’ defence of their Rugby World Cup title.”
Rassie Erasmus will remain in his role as Director of Rugby until 2025.
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