In a bolt from the blue, South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber has confirmed he will leave his Springboks role after the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France in order to join Leinster.

Nienaber, who has been in charge of the Springboks since January 2020, will replace Stuart Lancaster as senior coach at Leinster, with the Englishman set to move to French side Racing 92 at the end of the season.

It’s a move that has been kept remarkably quiet by both SA Rugby and Leinster, with no prior rumors linking the two.

“The last few years have been the highlight of my coaching career, and it’s with a heavy heart that I’m finishing up my time with the Springboks and leaving the country for personal reasons,” said Nienaber, who was assistant coach under Rassie Erasmus when South Africa won the 2019 World Cup. “The decision is made, and that’s firmly behind me now. My sole focus is on seeing the Springboks defend the Rugby World Cup title this year.

“I will continue to channel all my energy into ensuring that we leave no stone unturned to achieve that.”

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen said on the club’s website: “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 are all looking forward to learning from him over the coming seasons.”

The shock news understandably has caused a stir on social media.

Former Ireland and Leinster hooker turned pundit Bernard Jackman said: “Massive statement of intent by Leinster bringing in Jacques Nienabar post World Cup. New CEO has hit the ground running.”

Massive statement of intent by Leinster bring in Jacques Nienabar post World Cup. New CEO has hit the ground running.

— Bernard Jackman (@bernardjackman) April 15, 2023

One Tweeter wrote: “Demographics, Budget, Talent. Able to attract first class coaches… Shake in fear Europe, Shake in fear!”

Jared Wright wrote: “The hate for Nienaber will be rife today, but he was just as important as Rassie in 2019. He is a MASSIVE blow to SA Rugby, without a doubt. He has done a superb job, IMO, especially considering he lost an entire test season with the Boks. Leinster are big winners here.”

The hate for Nienaber will be rife today, but he was just as important as Rassie in 2019.

He is a MASSIVE blow to SA Rugby, without a doubt.

He has done a superb job, IMO, especially considering he lost an entire Test season with the Boks.

Leinster are big winners here.

— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) April 15, 2023

EK Rugby Analysis wrote: “Goes without saying, but will be fantastic for the Irish system to have a coach of Nienaber’s quality involved again too. Few better coaching minds in rugby when it comes to defense, especially.”

South African tweeter Dylan Jack observed: “It’s kind refreshing that Jacques Nienaber basically bows out on his own terms after the World Cup. Probably the first Springbok head coach to do that going into the tournament.”

Not everyone was positive however, one disgruntled fan writing: “Take him. Never rated him as a coach anyway. As a Bok fan I don’t get this decision by Leinster though. They play such beautiful free flowing rugby and Nienaber’s game is completely the opposite of that.”

Another wrote: “Man is overrated. But as a spare, which is what he is going there as, the man is incredible. Just look at the Boks’ defense stats in 2019 and you’ll see what he’s capable of.”