Harlequins have announced that former Munster and Ireland front row Jerry Flannery will join the Club in the role of lineout coach ahead of rugby’s return.
Flannery, 41, retired from playing in 2012 after an impressive career with Irish provinces Connacht and Munster before winning 41 caps for his national side between 2005 and 2011.
After hanging up his playing boots, the former hooker turned his hand to coaching, first as a strength and conditioning coach with Premier League football team Arsenal from 2013-14 before being recruited as Munster’s scrum coach by the late Axel Foley in 2014, going on to become the Irish province’s forwards coach in 2017 before leaving his former club last year.
Commenting ahead of his arrival at The Stoop, Flannery said: “I’m very excited to be joining the Quins family. Harlequins is a club with a great history and fantastic supporter base.
“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.”
SUBSCRIBE:
LIST | 4 Big-Money Signings Who Flopped at Harlequins
Harlequins have welcomed more false dawns than most clubs – as highlighted by their misfortune in the transfer market when it comes to exciting signings that ultimately proved disappointing.
1. Paul Doran-Jones
They signed the England international prop from Northampton in 2013 with then boss Conor O'Shea saying: "Not only is Paul talented, at his age he will only get better." However, after two disappointing seasons at the Stoop, making just 19 appearances, he left to rejoin Gloucester.
2. Demetri Catrakilis
The highly-rated South African fly-half made the move to England to join Premiership side Harlequins prior to the 2017–2018 season. However, he'd make just 13 appearances for the club over two seasons unfortunately dominated by injury. He then left Quins to join Pro 14 side Izuzu Southern Kings
3. Paul Sackey
The speedster returned to England following stints with Toulon and Stade Francais to play for Harlequins in the Aviva Premiership for the 2013/14 season. However, following one less than impressive season at Twickenham Stoop, scoring just two tries, the England international hung up his boots.
4. Niki Goneva
Described by the club as ‘a real coup’ and ‘deadly finisher’ when the winger joined from relegated Newcastle Falcons ahead of the 2019/20 season. However, it appears that the 35-year-old, who has been a prolific try scorer throughout his career, is finally starting to slow down. He didn’t cross the whitewash in his six Premiership outings for Quins this season.
