Jacques Nienaber reflects on possible Ciaran Frawley departure

Leinster senior coach Jacques Nienaber has admitted he would be disappointed to see Ciarán Frawley leave the province, amid growing reports linking the versatile back with a move to Connacht at the end of the season.

Reports have suggested Frawley is set to join Connacht next season, where he would reunite with former Leinster head coach Stuart Lancaster.

While Nienaber stopped short of confirming the move, he made it clear that no official decision has been communicated to him. He said contract matters fall outside his remit and are handled by head coach Leo Cullen and Leinster chief operating officer Guy Easterby.

Nienaber stressed that, from his perspective, there is nothing finalised and that he would be happy to continue working with Frawley for the remainder of the campaign.

“My only input is from the rugby point of view – what’s their form on the field, so the off-field stuff I’m not too tuned into,” he said.

“I don’t think there’s anything official yet, but he’s an outstanding bloke and if it’s the truth or not, listen, it would be lovely having him and working with him until the end of the season.

“Frawls, as an individual and a man, is a very, very important guy in the club. I’m not talking about rugby,

"I’m just talking about the person he is. He’s a team guy and as the Irish would say, there’s always good craic around him, there’s always a little bit of a buzz going around him".

Despite making 111 appearances for Leinster and earning international caps with Ireland, Frawley’s limited opportunities at number 10 have fuelled speculation that a move elsewhere could offer the regular game time he needs, particularly with a Rugby World Cup approaching.

Nienaber spoke warmly about Frawley’s character, describing him as an outstanding person and an important presence within the squad. He highlighted Frawley’s positive influence off the field and said he has enjoyed working closely with him.

“As a rugby player, he’s a quality rugby player. I really enjoy him as a person, I really enjoy working with him and he’s been good to me.”