Lions assistant Redelinghuys defends Nienaber as Leinster face URC quarter-final scrutiny

Lions assistant coach Julian Redelinghuys has come to the defence of Leinster’s Jacques Nienaber, arguing the South African is being scapegoated by Irish supporters following Leinster’s heavy 41-19 loss to Bordeaux in the European Champions Cup final — with the two sides set to meet in a URC quarter-final this weekend.

Nienaber, who joined Leinster after the 2023 Rugby World Cup following his tenure as Springbok head coach, has faced sustained criticism in Ireland, with sections of the media and fanbase pointing to his aggressive defensive system as a primary reason for the European final defeat. Redelinghuys pushed back firmly on that narrative.

“Everything is Jacques’ fault, it’s terrible to see,” Redelinghuys told media. “We all know the quality coach he is and the value he adds. It seems the people on this side do not appreciate it. In the team, they do, but it doesn’t look like the Irish supporters do, with all the things you see and hear and how they throw him under the bus by blaming him.”

Redelinghuys added that the treatment of Nienaber had crossed a line. “Apparently, he is not allowed to breathe in the coaching box. There are a lot of ugly things. However, we’ve worked with him and know what he can do and who he is. We do not doubt the quality he brings to Leinster, but it doesn’t look like the Irish appreciate him.”

The defence of a direct rival ahead of a knockout tie is notable, reflecting the respect Nienaber commands among coaches who have worked alongside him in the South African system. Redelinghuys himself was part of the Springbok setup that won the 2023 World Cup under Nienaber’s leadership.

Leinster’s European record under Nienaber remains a sore point for supporters. The province lost back-to-back finals to La Rochelle in 2022 and 2023 before his arrival, and have now suffered two further final defeats — most recently to Bordeaux — since he joined. A fifth European title continues to elude them.

Domestically, however, Leinster did claim the URC title last season, their first since the 2021 Pro14 championship, offering some vindication for the coaching staff.

Heading into the quarter-final, Leinster hold a clear recent edge over the Lions, winning four of the last five meetings between the sides. Their most recent encounter, just three weeks ago, ended in a comfortable 31-7 victory for Leinster — a result that will sharpen the Lions’ motivation to cause an upset on home soil.