LEINSTER senior coach Jacques Nienaber has been linked with a potential departure from the province, according to reports.
The news comes despite him still having a year left to run on his current contract with the URC champions.
The 2023 World Cup winning Springboks head coach joined Leinster in December 2023, and has since made a significant impact by introducing his trademark blitz defence system.
Leo Cullen’s Leinster side have benefitted from his defensive expertise but have continued to fall short in Europe.
The Dublin-based province lost in the Champions Cup final in 2024 and excited at the semi-final stage in 2025 after a shock defeat to Northampton at Aviva Stadium.
Now, speculation has emerged that Nienaber could return to South Africa.
A report from Rapport suggested that the Bulls have identified him as a top candidate to replace outgoing head coach Jake White.
White left his position following the Bulls’ URC final defeat to Leinster at Croke Park.
Nienaber is said to be on a four-man shortlist that includes Johann van Graan, Franco Smith and Johan Ackermann.
And in a further worry to Leinster, according to the Rapport report – they have already made contact with the Northern Cape native.
Any move would likely require a buyout, as Nienaber remains under contract with Leinster and the IRFU until spring 2026.
The Leinster senior coach has previously denied any chance of him leaving the province whilst under contract with the four-time European Cup winners.
