Jerry Flannery: I'm relishing chance to join Springboks’ new-look coaching set-up
Jerry Flannery is leaving Harlequins to become South Africa's defence coach
Rassie Erasmus intends to take a more hands-on approach with the Springboks
Former Munster and Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery will be reunited with Rassie Erasmus in South Africa.
Currently a coach at Harlequins, the Limerick native previously worked with Erasmus at Munster and was identified as the man to replace Jacques Nienaber as the defence coach for the world champion Springboks.
In confirming that Erasmus would take on a more hands-on role as he aims to win a third successive World Cup, SA Rugby said that Flannery would be part of a re-jigged coaching ticket. His last match for Harlequins will be a friendly against Munster later this month before he’s unveiled early next month in Cape Town.
“I have loved my time at Harlequins working alongside a talented young group of coaches and players,” Flannery said.
“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 Harlequins and a final home match at a sold-out Stoop.”
Rassie Erasmus intends to take a more hands-on approach with the Springboks
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The appointment keeps some continuity between Erasmus’ time with Munster, given Nienaber headed to Leinster after the World Cup win and Felix Jones has joined England.
Former Highlanders and Japan attack coach Tony Brown is also on board in what is a significant coup, given how highly the New Zealander is rated.
England assistant Kevin Sinfield could be the man to replace Flannery at Quins.
Erasmus, currently recuperating in hospital after suffering serious burns in an accident, said he’d already convened a meeting of his coaching team, which also has Mzwandile Stick, Deon Davids, Daan Human and Andy Edwards for continuity from the last cycle.
“It is a massive honour to coach the Springboks, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me,” he said.
“The main difference between the last four years and this season is that I will be more hands-on at the field sessions.
“In my role as Director of Rugby in the last four years, I continued to oversee the team structures and strategy in conjunction with Jacques and the other coaches, so it should be an easy transition back into the head coach role
