Jack Ninbar: ‘People don’t value me here’ – Leinster coach casts doubts over his future

Jack Ninbar has cast doubt on his Leinster future after claiming he doesn’t feel valued by Ireland’s media and fans.

The South African joined the Irish province as a senior coach at the end of 2023 and helped his country win the World Cup.

And Niabar – while working with head coach Leo Cullen – used the blitz defense from his time with the Springboks to help Leinster regain the United Rugby Championship title last year, with a fifth Champions Cup continuing to elude the club during his spell.

Speaking ahead of Leinster’s URC semi-final against the Stormers on Saturday (17:30 BST), the 53-year-old – who is under contract until the end of the 2026-27 season – was asked if he would still be in his position.

“Let me put it this way: Who fires you? You know who fires you? The public, the media. They fire you. Not the CEO, not Shane (Nolan),” he said. RTE, outsider.

“He doesn’t fire me, but you fire us. Fire all the coaches, because the pressure builds and builds, and the fans then build the pressure on them, and then they just ask it and say, ‘Listen guys, I think we’ve got to split up.’

“Your question is, will I stay here? I hope so. Right now, I’m not sure, to be honest, because people don’t value me here. They don’t.”

Asked if Cullen valued his contribution, Ninaber added: “It’s not for Leo (to value me). People don’t value… The moment you lose the team or the fans, you have to go. The moment you lose the changing room or the club, the fanbase, you have to go.

“You could hang in there and take your check, but no. They don’t want you there.”