Premiership club complete the signing of highly-rated South African coach

So it’s no surprise that South African scrum coaches are in demand across the globe. The latest to take centre stage? Jaco Pienaar, who has been unveiled as the new scrum coach at Northampton Saints.

Pienaar arrives as Saints aim to end English rugby’s Champions Cup drought — no Premiership side has lifted the trophy since Exeter in 2020. But that could change today in Cardiff, where Saints face French giants Bordeaux Bègles in a mouthwatering final clash of flair vs firepower.

Pienaar will fill the sizeable boots of Matt Ferguson, who played a pivotal role in shaping Saints’ formidable pack. Under Ferguson’s watch, the Saints stormed to their first Premiership title in over a decade. He bows out this summer after steering the club's set-piece to elite level.

Now, it's Pienaar’s turn to take the reins.

The 44-year-old has just wrapped up a three-year stint with Japan’s powerhouse side Suntory Goliath in Rugby League One. But his coaching journey started back home in Potchefstroom, where he spent a decade developing young talent at NWU and later worked alongside Springbok legend Robert du Preez at the Leopards.

From there, it was a coaching tour of South Africa — with spells at the Bulls, Tuks, and a four-year stretch at the Sharks — before heading to Japan.

Now, Pienaar lands in the East Midlands ready to bring his trademark South African steel to the scrum of one of Europe’s most exciting sides.

Leigh Halfpenny (Harlequins)
Wales and Lions legend. A metronomic boot, safe under the high ball, and still one of the best defensive fullbacks in the game.

Liam Williams (Saracens)
The 'Bomb Defuser' is fearless in the air and electric in open play. A British & Irish Lion with big-game pedigree.

Santiago Cordero (Connacht)
Argentina's elusive wizard. Lightning feet, low centre of gravity – a nightmare for defenders on the wing or at fullback.

Lennox Anyanwu (Harlequins)
A breakout talent with serious attacking flair and physical presence. One for the future – if he lands in the right setup.

Chris Harris (Gloucester)
One of the most reliable defensive centres in Europe. A rock for Scotland and a Lions tourist in 2021.

Will Addison (Sale Sharks)
Versatile, classy, and smart. Can slot in across the backline. Injuries have slowed him, but still bags of talent to offer.

Jimmy Gopperth (Provence)
Veteran Kiwi playmaker. 41 years old and still pulling strings with his game management and goalkicking nous.

Billy Burns (Munster)
An Ireland international with Super Rugby heritage. Classy distributor and calm under pressure.

Freddie Burns
Clutch drop-goal hero in Leicester’s 2022 Premiership title win. A wildcard 10 with a golden boot and a point to prove.

Ali Price (Edinburgh)
A British & Irish Lion with pace, sharp service, and attacking instincts. Still plenty to offer at the top level.

Conor Murray (Munster)
Ireland’s legendary No.9. Over 100 caps and a tactical maestro. Slower these days, but leadership is priceless.

Ratko Jelic (Zebre)
Italian-qualified and showing promise. Not a household name yet, but clubs looking long-term should take note.

Mayco Vivas (Gloucester)
Powerhouse Argentine loosehead. Still young and coming into his prime. Brings scrum stability and South American steel.

Paula Latu (Dragons)
Tongan bulldozer. Aggressive in the carry and an underrated scrummager. Low-cost, high-impact option.

Javan Sebastian (Edinburgh)
Welsh tighthead with international experience and a reputation for scrum dominance. Solid and dependable.

Julian Montoya (Leicester Tigers)
Pumas skipper. World-class set-piece operator and ferocious at the breakdown. Arguably the top hooker available.

Agustin Creevy (Benetton)
42 and still going strong. A leader, an enforcer, and an asset in the locker room.

Luca Bigi (Zebre)
Former Italy captain. Great throw, good work rate, and no-nonsense attitude. Ready-made depth for any club.

Jonny Hill (Sale Sharks)
England international with top-tier Premiership and Lions experience. Brings muscle and an edge.

Adam Beard (Ospreys)
6’8” Welshman with a high work rate and line-out savvy. Offers grunt and leadership in equal measure.

Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks)
Versatile lock/back-row hybrid. Explosive ball-carrier and dominant in collisions.

Zach Mercer (Gloucester)
Former England No.8. Huge in the Top 14, and now a dynamic, offloading force. Deserves another Test shot.

Nathan Hughes (Black Rams Tokyo)
A wrecking ball at his best. Former England international with elite power and strong Super Rugby credentials.

Ruan Ackermann (Gloucester)
Underrated dynamo. Ball-carrying machine and relentless tackler. South African steel meets Premiership polish.

You have five minutes to name every club to have played in the Gallagher Premiership, all 28 of them, since the division was established back in 1987.

It’s more difficult than it sounds.

Good luck, and let us know how you do