Jacques Nienaber said to the Irish Independent that newly appointed Springbok defence coach, Jerry Flannery was identified by Rassie Erasmus as the man to run South Africa’s defence before the Springboks defended their 2019 World Championship title in France.
Harlequins confirmed that Flannery will leave Harlequins at the end of February 2024 to begin his role at the Springboks.
“Jerry actually spent some time with us in the World Cup preparation. He was there a week or two with the Boks. He understands how the environment operates and the players would know him.
“They met him for the week or two that he has been there. He won’t be unfamiliar to them.
“He actually helped us a little bit with the hookers. He added value with the lineout throws, him being an international hooker himself.
“Just adding things that he saw and I’m not saying it took over from there and all that, but it just added value. It’s a good opportunity for Jerry and I think he will be good for the Boks.
“When we did our club visits of the abroad players, Harlequins was one of the clubs that we visited. They were always open to us being there, so watching their training sessions, gym sessions, being in their team meetings.
“I saw a lot of Jerry’s work as a defence coach there and I think he will be a good fit for South Africa.”