The Harlequins rugby team has expressed their regret at the departure of their esteemed defence coach, Jerry Flannery, who will be leaving the club to join Rassie Erasmus’s coaching team with the South Africa national rugby union team.
Flannery, affectionately described as a “big character” by the club, has been an integral part of the London-based team since 2020, a period that culminated in their triumphant Premiership title win the following year.
The 45-year-old former Irish international player, who earned 41 caps for Ireland and played 93 times for Munster during his illustrious career, also held a coaching position at Munster from 2014 to 2019, where he had the opportunity to work under Erasmus during the 2016-17 season.
Erasmus, who hails from Johannesburg, notably led the South Africa national team to World Cup victory in 2019 and was recently unveiled as the new head coach of the Springboks.
In response to Flannery’s departure, Harlequins’ Director of Rugby, Billy Millard, conveyed the club’s gratitude for Flannery’s significant contributions, affirming that he has much to be proud of in his achievements with the team. Millard also extended his best wishes to Flannery as he transitions into the realm of international rugby and pursues further career opportunities.
With Flannery’s imminent departure, the Harlequins find themselves in a strong position, currently occupying the second spot in the Premiership with 37 points and having secured a place in the Champions Cup round of 16, where a match against Glasgow Warriors is on the horizon.
Flannery is set to join the ranks of the South African coaching team following the Harlequins’ friendly match against his former team, Munster, on 23 February. Reflecting on this transition, Flannery expressed his gratitude to Harlequins for supporting his decision to venture into international rugby. He also conveyed his excitement for the upcoming weeks with the Harlequins, which will culminate in a final home match at a sold-out Stoop in February.
The departure of Jerry Flannery from the Harlequins marks the conclusion of a significant chapter for both the club and the esteemed coach himself. As he embarks on this new journey, there is no doubt that his impact will be felt and his contributions remembered by all those whose lives he has touched within the rugby community.