I don't think people value me here.

When Jacques sat down in front of the media this week and admitted that he doesn't feel valued at Leinster, it struck a nerve with me and I am sure a lot of South Africans. Not because we haven't heard coaches express frustration before, but because it feels almost impossible to reconcile those words with everything Nienaber has achieved throughout his career.

For many of us, Jacques isn't simply another coach. He is one of the architects of the most successful era in Springbok rugby history. Alongside Rassie, he helped transform a side that had been written off by many into back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions. He built defensive systems that became the benchmark in world rugby and played a pivotal role in creating a culture that saw players willingly sacrifice themselves for the jersey and for each other.

That is why the criticism directed at him in Ireland has been so surprising from a South African perspective. Leinster remain one of the strongest clubs in European rugby (until they reach a final at least). They continue to dominate domestically, regularly reach the latter stages of major competitions and boast a squad packed with international talent. Yet because they have fallen short in their pursuit of Champions Cup success, Nienaber keeps finding himself in the firing line.

Perhaps that is the reality of coaching at a club where expectations are so high that anything short of silverware is considered failure, even when you think the Leinster fans would be used to it by now. But there is also a sense that some have forgotten exactly who they are talking about.

This is not a coach trying to establish his reputation. This is not someone learning his trade. This is a man who has spent years operating at the highest level of the game and has repeatedly proven his ability to build winning environments. Rugby is ultimately decided by players on the field, yet coaches often become the easiest targets when results do not go according to plan.

What makes Nienaber's comments particularly interesting is that they highlight something South African rugby has always understood about him. His greatest strength has never been media-friendly soundbites or public relations. Instead, his value lies in the trust he builds within a squad. Players buy into what Jacques does because they know every detail has been considered. They know the preparation is thorough. They know the standards are uncompromising. Most importantly, they know that if they commit fully to the system, they will give themselves the best possible chance of success.

We saw that throughout the Springboks' World Cup campaigns. Time and again players produced performances that demanded extraordinary levels of physical commitment and mental resilience. Defending for phase after phase, absorbing pressure, making tackle after tackle and refusing to break under immense pressure became trademarks of a Bok side coached by Nienaber. Those performances were not accidents. They were the result of a coach who understood how to create belief and accountability.

That is why there would be no shortage of South Africans eager to see him return home should his future at Leinster become uncertain. South African rugby knows exactly what Jacques brings to an organisation. More importantly, South African players know it too.

There are coaches who are respected because of their personalities, and there are coaches who are respected because of their results. Nienaber has earned respect through both his achievements and the standards he demands from those around him. Players trust him because he has repeatedly shown that his methods work when the pressure is at its highest.

If he genuinely feels undervalued in Ireland, then perhaps the answer is simpler than many would think. Come home.

Come back to a rugby culture that appreciates what you have contributed to the game. Come back to players who understand your methods and would happily put their bodies on the line for you. Come back to supporters who don't need convincing about your credentials because they have already seen the evidence with their own eyes.

Leinster may still decide that Nienaber is central to their future plans. They may yet recognise the immense value of having one of the game's sharpest rugby minds in their coaching box. But if they don't, South African rugby will be waiting with open arms.

Because while Jacques Nienaber may feel that he isn't valued where he is now, there is an entire rugby nation that already knows exactly how valuable he truly is.