Jerry Flannery added to Harlequins coaching panel

Harlequins have added former Ireland international Jerry Flannery to the coaching panel ahead of the sport's resumption.

Flannery played for Connacht and Munster combined for close to 12 seasons. He was also part of Munster's 2005/06 and 2007/08 European Champions Cup winning squad.

He went on to make debut for Ireland in 2005 and went on to play 41 Tests including five appearances in the 2007 and 2011 World Cups combined. The 41-year-old will now take up the role of lineout coach with the Quins after previously working as scrums and forwards coach with Munster.

“I’m very excited to be joining the Quins family. Harlequins is a club with a great history and fantastic supporter base," he told the official website of the club.

“Gussy’s passion for the art of coaching along with his drive to bring success to Harlequins was a big factor in my joining.

"I’m also looking forward to integrating with the other coaches, Adam Jones, Nick Evans and Sean Long, and working with Quins’ very talented playing group.”

Harlequins head of rugby Paul Gustard expressed delight in securing the services of Flannery.

“I am delighted we have been able to secure Fla’s services.

“I have spoken to him many times and I love his intensity, allied to his desire to personally improve in equal measure to his drive to raise the standard of those he coaches. He is very bright and articulate with a keen rugby mind and a strong passion for the game.

“He comes from a culture of hard working men, who play with a passion and purpose that we want from our team and I believe Jerry has a skill set and determination to help foster, alongside Bomb [scrum coach Adam Jones], a ruthless pack mentality with a hard edge based on strong fundamentals with no quarter given.

“He was the standout candidate in our process, and I am delighted he has chosen us. On behalf of the club we welcome Jerry, Katy and his young family to Harlequins.”