Leinster coach Nienaber doubts future after final loss

Leinster senior coach Jacques Nienaber has cast significant doubt on his future with the Irish province, stating he feels undervalued and that his position may be untenable. The former South Africa head coach made the comments during a press conference on Monday, directly responding to sustained criticism following Leinster's heavy defeat in the Champions Cup final.

Nienaber, who joined Leinster after guiding the Springboks to the 2023 Rugby World Cup title, is under contract until the summer of 2027. However, he suggested that media and public pressure, not club executives, ultimately decide a coach's fate. He referenced a past newspaper article that described Leinster's decision to hire him as "making a deal with the devil," a phrase he returned to repeatedly. "If, like he said, I'm a devil... probably not," Nienaber said when asked if he would definitely be at Leinster next season. He elaborated that pressure from fans and media builds until boards feel compelled to act.

"Currently I'm not sure, to be honest," Nienaber stated. "I don't think people value me here." When questioned if that included head coach Leo Cullen, Nienaber responded that it was not for Cullen to decide,...