Leinster's 2023/24 season has begun in earnest now with new senior coach Jacques Nienaber making his first official appearance at training earlier today.
After guiding South Africa to World Cup glory less than a month ago, the prospects of what he could bring to Leinster are tantilising.
A fifth European star is obviously the outstanding goal for the season, as it ha been since 2018, but head coach Leo Cullen has also spoken of the influence he will have lesser experienced coaches and in particular Sean O'Brien.
Leinster Coach Sean O'Brien Will Lear A Lot Off Nienaber
O'Brien, who is contact skills coach, has stepped in as defence coach in the absence of Nienaber, and will be getting what is effectively an intense and prolonged masterclass from one of the most decorated men in the game.
"Seanie’s been excellent," said Cullen.
He’s stepping into the role [as defence coach]. He’s a brilliant character, so we’re very lucky to have him. He’s starting his journey as a defence coach and it’s been a great experience for him, in that role as Contact Skills.
We’re all hoping to learn from Jacques when he comes in and Seánie will be someone who will grow a lot with his presence. It’s about refining what we do and getting better.
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27 November 2023; Leinster senior coach Jacques Nienaber arrives alongside Ryan Baird for a Leinster Rugby squad training at UCD in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Cullen was also asked about balancing team selections - with front liners returning while also trying to give as much game time as possible to the next-gen players - something that Nienaber will have to get use to and will huge influence on.
“It’s a bit of everything, isn’t it?” said Cullen. “We’ve done this before, when you think over the years. There’s no right and wrong, but we’ll have plans in terms of how the weeks fall.
It’s making sure that whatever the plan is, there’s method to the madness. Some guys need more time, other guys have had a decent stint and it’s trying to get that balance. The good thing is we have 40-odd guys ready to go and hungry to play.”
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