Springboks’ new Irish defence coach eager to focus on learning Afrikaans

As a new four-year World Cup cycle starts for the Springboks, they have added an international flavour to their coaching staff, with former Ireland hooker and ex-Harlequins assistant coach Jerry Flannery joining former All Black flyhalf Tony Brown.

Flannery – the former Ireland hooker who most recently coached at Munster – will take charge of the Springboks’ defence, effectively taking over the duty from Jacques Nienaber.

Notably, Flannery actually spent some in the Springbok camp last year, but now as he takes up a permanent position, he will be determined to integrate himself as quickly as possible into the South African set-up.

During a press conference in Cape Town last week, he provided a somewhat light-hearted answer about how he was ready to add Afrikaans to his list of languages.

“I’m trying to get buy-in here… I got told I’ve got to learn Afrikaans in two years – I reckon I can get it down in a year. Daan Human (the Springboks’ scrum coach) said to me if I can learn one sentence every day (it will help)…

“I can speak Irish and English, and if I can add Afrikaans in there, I think I will be a winner. It’s obviously going to be very, very personal for me (when the Springboks play Ireland in July). The nice thing as well is that because we haven’t beaten Ireland since 2016, it’s a big milestone for the group.

“And it’s about me controlling myself that week. But it is very personal for me, which I think is good because you care then – and I think when the players feel you care, they will go, ‘let’s do this’.”

THE SPRINGBOKS’ NEW COACH IS READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT

The former Irish hooker was not overly daunted about filling the boots of former Springbok defence guru and head coach Jacques Nienaber, saying: “I worked with Jacques and Rassie (Erasmus – Springbok head coach) at Munster, and I learned a lot from them and about their work ethic, so I’d really like to contribute to how things are evolving and to build positively on what the team has achieved.

“I’m confident about the (defensive) structures Jacques put in place, and what’s particularly special about this team is the way everyone takes ownership. I can’t be Jacques, but I can be Jerry, and that’s what I’d like to bring to the team.”

JERRY FLANNERY

Date of birth: 17 October 1978
Place of Birth: Galway, Ireland

Playing career:

• 2005-2011: Ireland (41 Test caps)
• 2001-2003: Connacht
• 2003-2012: Munster
• 2003: Ireland Development XV selection

Coaching experience:

• 2020-2023: Harlequins defence and lineout coach
• 2015-2019: Munster forwards coach
• 2013-2015: Munster scrum coach

Education:

• Stage 4 assistant coach (Irish Rugby Football Union)
• Masters in Sports Performance (University of Limerick)
• Certified strength and conditioning specialist (National Strength and Conditioning Association)
• Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Geography (University College Cork)