Stormers coach backs Nienaber despite 'surprise' outburst at heated press conference

During the press conference, Nienaber claimed he did not feel valued at the club and said the media will likely play a big role in deciding his future at the club next season.

This came off the back of Leo Cullen's tense post-match presser after the URC quarter-final victory over the Lions - although it was Leinster's Champions Cup final defeat to Bordeaux that still loomed large during both exchanges.

Appearing on Off The Ball, Dobson was asked about Nienaber's uncharacteristic outburst in front of the media.

"I worked with him closely, he was at the Stormers for a long time," Dobson began before singing Nienaber's praises.

"He's such a good coach: the work ethic, the detail, the way he conveys it, no ego.

"You don't see him trying to take any media limelight; he's not come with celebrity. He just wants to win and I think he's one of the best coaches I've ever come across."

"Maybe a button was pushed," he added. "I just read the quotes; I don't know the context of how he said them, but I was slightly surprised.

"Maybe he just had enough of it. The noise around Jacques isn't brand new is it? It's been going since he was appointed."

The Stormers boss believes that Leinster are blessed with coaches, as he also spoke highly of Cullen.

"With Leo Cullen, you've got a guy who loves the club, played for the club, lives and dies for the club and is probably a good rugby man - I've had a couple of beers with him in Cape Town. He goes and speaks to some old rugby club, he didn't have to do that on his off night.

"I'm not saying that makes him a good coach, but I think you appreciate what you've got here. If it doesn't work because of the noise and that ends Jacques, that's sad because I promise you, you walk in there on a Monday morning meeting, he's got two weeks opposition, he's got the playlist, this is what they're going to do.

"As I said, he's devoid of ego and one of the best coaches around, full stop."