Arsenal fitness coach Jerry Flannery training the club's U18s
FORMER Ireland international Jerry Flannery is departing Arsenal for Munster after being confirmed as part of Anthony Foley’s new coaching team for next season.
The Limerick-man will be the province’s new scrum coach and is set to work alongside the academy and provincial age-grade squads in his new role, after his retirement from the game in March 2012.
Flannery achieved 94 caps with Munster and 41 international caps during his playing career.
The former forward then went on to complete a Masters in Sports Performance at the University of Limerick before joining Premier League club Arsenal in 2013 for a work placement as strength and conditioning coach.
Munster chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald confirmed the appointment of the backroom staff and said: “We have spent the last few months carrying out an extensive recruitment process and believe we have chosen the right candidates to take Munster forward.
“We have a unique situation here; in not only appointing all Irish coaches, we are extremely proud to appoint coaches that have learned their trade within the province. It is a reflection of the level of coaches on offer in Irish Rugby.
“With Anthony at the helm we look forward to seeing this group work together in achieving success for Munster Rugby.”
Ex- Munster centre Brian Walsh has been named as assistant coach, with responsibility for attack and backs, while Ian Costello has been promoted from skills coach to assistant coach, with responsibility for defence and kicking.
Head coach Foley and Mick O’Driscoll were announced as Technical Advisor in April.
The new coaching team will commence their roles on 1 July after signing two-year contracts that will see them remain with the province until at least June 2016.
