Former Munster and Irish player Jerry Flannery will join the current Rugby World Cup champions, South Africa, as a defence coach at the end of this month.
Flannery, who played 41 times for Ireland and 93 times for Munster, has been at English Premiership side Harlequins since 2020 and has worked as the side's lineout and defence coach since then.
The Limerick native will depart for the Springboks following the high-profile friendly match at The Stoop on Friday, February 23, as the Harlequins take on his former side, Munster.
Harlequins Director of Rugby Billy Millard said: “We will be sorry to see Jerry go, as he is a big character and can be very proud of his achievements at Harlequins. We wish him well as he moves into international rugby and continues to develop his career. He will always be welcome at The Stoop. For the rest of this season, we have a very strong group of coaches and are very fortunate to have Assistant Defence Coach Jordan Turner-Hall with us and the resources and structure to achieve our goals."
Harlequins can confirm that Defence Coach @jerryflannery will depart the Club in February to take up a coaching role with the Springboks
Flannery will depart after the friendly at The Stoop on 23 February as we take on his former side Munster
We wish Jerry all the best#COYQ
— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) February 6, 2024
Flannery will then join up with his former colleague and manager, Rassie Erasmus. The 45-year-old previously worked under Erasmus at Munster in 2016 and 2017, with Flannery spending six years coaching the forwards and scrum at the province after retiring from playing in 2013.
The former Munster and Ireland hooker will join a revamped coaching team for the Springboks. Director of Rugby Erasmus will resume his role as head coach, with New Zealander Tony Brown stepping in as the new attack coach.Flannery will take care of the Springboks' defensive responsibilities, succeeding Jacques Nienaber, who has moved to Leinster.
Flannery added, “I have loved my time at Harlequins, working alongside a talented young group of coaches and players. The opportunity to move into international rugby and to work alongside Rassie Erasmus again after our time at Munster was very appealing, and I would like to thank Harlequins for supporting my desire to take up this opportunity to develop my career. I look forward to the next few weeks with the Harlequins and a final home match at a sold-out Stoop in February."
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