Jacques Nienaber reveals the real reason RG Snyman signed for Leinster

Leinster senior coach Jacques Nienaber spoke to the media ahead of his team’s September return to action in the URC.

Coming to the end of what was a busy offseason for the Dublin-based club, Nienaber addressed the intriguing move of his fellow two-time World Cup winner RG Snyman from Munster to Leinster.

Having spent time with both provinces, Nienaber is acutely aware of the parameters with which the provinces operate.

Thus, when it was announced that Snyman would depart Munster for their arch-rivals, it surprised just about everyone not involved in the inner workings of Irish Rugby.

External forces

Discussing the decision that both Munster and Snyman faced, Nienaber offered perspective ahead of the giant lock linking up with the squad at the conclusion of The Rugby Championship.

“A guy like RG, it’s probably well documented that it was a decision Munster had to make between RG and Jean Kleyn,” Nienaber adds.

“They had to make a call between the two, and they went with Jean, and then RG was available.

“His wife is doing some accountancy exams in Ireland, so they were keen to stay and for Leinster to come for him. I don’t think he wanted to leave, to be fair. They wanted to stay in Ireland.

“I don’t think it’s all or nothing for us. I mean, it’s good to attract people who want to come to the club.”

Much lauded set-up

Shifting his focus to Leinster’s other big offseason signing in All Black star Jordie Barrett, Nienaber was keen to highlight that Leinster’s much-lauded set-up was the key lure for the top-quality player smack bang in his prime.

“Jordie was quite open with us and said that he wanted to come here. He could have got a lot more money, going to Japan or other clubs, but he wanted to come here, which is good. It speaks volumes for the rugby programme we have at the club.

“[Barrett’s move] is between Leo and him, if I can put it as simple as that. It’s not as boxed-off as that, but I’m more involved in the rugby side of things, and Leo is looking at how the squad is built and making sure there is succession planning between him, Guy [Easterby, chief operating officer] and the other guys involved in that.

“Leo would give input to the rugby programme, I would, if they asked for my opinion on a player, give my input on that. Again, it is not as clear cut as that, it is a lot more integrated.

“But I would say that [move] would definitely go to Leo, Guy and the guys looking after players coming into this environment.”