Flannery and Jones to leave Munster coaching set-up

Published: Tue 7 May 2019, 5:17 PM

Last updated: Tue 7 May 2019, 6:20 PM


<span style='font-size:10.5pt'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><span style='color:#454a6b'>Munster Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed thatForwards Coach Jerry Flannery and Backline and Attack Coach FelixJones will depart the province at the end of theseason.</span></span></span> <span style='font-size:12pt'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><span style='font-size:10.5pt'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><span style='color:#454a6b'>Bothcoaches have declined their respective contract offers, and willcome to the end of their current contracts in June.<br><br>Commenting on the news, Munster Rugby Acting CEO Philip Quinn,said, "As Johann has noted all along, the province was committed toretaining the services of both Jerry and Felix, and I believe theProfessional Game Board made every effort to retain the coachingduo with competitive terms.<br>"While we understand their respective decisions, we are hugelydisappointed with the latest development, but wish them everysuccess in the future.<br>"It goes without saying that Jerry and Felix have been greatservants to Munster Rugby, from their earlier playing days in red,to forging successful coaching careers in guiding the nextgeneration of Munster players."<br><br>Head Coach Johann van Graan added, "We will be very disappointed tosee Jerry and Felix go at the end of the season. They are bothextremely hard-working, dedicated coaches, in addition to beingreally good guys who have been fantastic to work with.<br>"As a coaching group we will continue with the same commitment anddrive for success as always, working towards our upcoming GuinnessPRO14 semi-final."<br>Jerry Flannery said, "This has been a dream job for me, to coachMunster Rugby. I want to thank all the players, coaches and staffthat I worked with over the years, and also thank the supporterswho have always been there for us.<br>"Leaving the province is not a decision I took lightly, but I lookforward to watching the squad go from strength to strength, andwish them continued success."<br>Felix Jones commented, "It has been an absolute honour to haveplayed for, and to have coached Munster Rugby. I would like tothank the players, coaches, management and fans who have supportedme over the last 10 years.<br>"We will continue our drive to end the season on a high, and I lookforward to being a Munster supporter in the future."<br><br>The province has commenced the process of identifying suitablecandidates to join Head Coach Johann van Graan and Defence Coach JPFerreira next season.</span></span></span></span></span>