VIDEO: Jacques Nienaber - his first Leinster interview
After winning a second World Cup with South Africa, Jacques Nienaber joined up with the Leinster squad this week – as he begins his new role with the province.
He sat down with Leinster Rugby TV on Friday to give his first interview since arriving in Ireland.
He spoke about his success with the Springboks, his excitement of working with the Leinster squad and the big games coming up for Leinster – including facing two-time European Cup champions La Rochelle in the opening round of the 2023-24 Champions Cup season next week.
Nienaber arrived in Dublin this past Sunday, with his wife having arrived on Thursday.
“Winning the World Cup was amazing in terms of what it meant for South Africa,” Nienaber said, adding: “But it was hard work.”
He said he was looking forward to working with the Irish players and finally getting a chance to face off against French giants La Rochelle.
Nienaber’s first outing with Leinster is a trip to The Sportsground, in Galway, for a Round Seven United Rugby Championship outing against Connacht.
Next week it is a trip to Stade Marcel Deflandre in La Rochelle, France, for the Champions Cup Round One encounter with Stade Rochelais.
“This weekend against Connacht will be massive,” Nienaber said, adding: “It’s always tough there.
“I’ve been there twice with Munster – one tight win and one loss.
“Connacht is always uh it’s always going to be a tough grind out there and we expect nothing less than that.
“Then it’s back in Europe.
“I haven’t been part of the history against La Rochelle, but I saw some footage of it [last two Finals between Leinster and La Rochelle] this past week.
“It’s going to be massive.
“Europe’s always massive, so I am looking forward to that.”
Source: @leinsterrugby
* Watch the entire interview below …
