CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Jacques Nienaber will step down as South Africa’s coach just after the Rugby Planet Cup to take up a part at Irish province Leinster, the teams mentioned Saturday.

Nienaber has been head coach of the planet champion Springboks given that 2020, getting previously had quite a few roles inside the South African rugby structures include things like as an assistant coach for the national group at the 2011 and 2019 Planet Cups.

He mentioned it was “with a heavy heart” that he was leaving his position.

“The choice is created and that is firmly behind me now,” Nienaber mentioned. “My sole concentrate is on seeing the Springboks defend the Rugby Planet Cup title this year. I will continue to channel all my power into making sure that we leave no stone unturned to accomplish that.”

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer mentioned the organization will confirm a successor to Nienaber “in due course.”

The Planet Cup requires location in France beginning in September.

Leinster is one particular of Europe’s major rugby teams. Nienaber will replace present coach Stuart Lancaster, who is leaving at the finish of the season to join Racing 92 in France.

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