'Very appealing': New Bok assistant on rekindling Rassie connection

SPOTLIGHT: New Springbok assistant coach Jerry Flannery could not pass up the chance of working with Rassie Erasmus again.

Flannery was officially unveiled as the Boks' new defence coach this week. The other high-profile name added to the coaching team was former All Black flyhalf Tony Brown, who will focus on attack.

The 45-year-old Flannery was in charge of the scrum at Irish province Munster during Erasmus's tenure from 2016-2017.

Former Bok head coach Jacques Nienaber and former assistant Felix Jones were also part of that set-up under Erasmus.

In an interview at the time, Flannery said: "What he’s [Erasmus] done is, he’s come in and empowered all of us as coaches.

"He helped develop me as a coach. He brought Felix Jones on board. He’s brought Jacques Nienaber [defence coach] – who’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever come across in my life – into Munster. He creates an environment where hard work and honesty are rewarded.

"It genuinely is rewarded. When you look at the way teams have been selected, it’s not always the big names that get selected."

After Tuesday's Bok coaching announcement, Flannery said the move to South Africa was all part of his development.

"I have loved my time at Harlequins working alongside a talented young group of coaches and players," said the former Ireland international.

"The opportunity to move into international rugby and to work alongside Rassie Erasmus again after our time at Munster was very appealing.

"I would like to thank Harlequins for supporting my desire to take up this opportunity to develop my career."

The Springboks have a two-Test series with Ireland and a one-off Test with Portugal locked in for July.

However, reports have revealed that the Springboks are set to face Wales at Twickenham in June.

Additional source: Irish Times