Munster dealt body blow as two valued assistants decline contract extension offers

Munster Rugby and the IRFU can confirm that forwards coach Jerry Flannery and backline and attack coach Felix Jones will depart the province at the end of the season. Both coaches have declined their respective contract offers and will come to the end of their current contracts in June.

Acting Munster CEO Philip Quinn, said: "As Johann (van Graan) has noted all along, the province was committed to retaining the services of both Jerry and Felix, and I believe the Professional Game Board made every effort to retain the coaching duo with competitive terms.

"While we understand their respective decisions, we are hugely disappointed with the latest development, but wish them every success in the future.

"It goes without saying that Jerry and Felix have been great servants to Munster, from their earlier playing days in red to forging successful coaching careers in guiding the next generation of Munster players."

Head coach van Graan added: "We will be very disappointed to see Jerry and Felix go at the end of the season. They are both extremely hard-working, dedicated coaches, in addition to being really good guys who have been fantastic to work with.

"As a coaching group we will continue with the same commitment and drive for success as always, working towards our upcoming Guinness PRO14 semi-final."

Flannery said: "This has been a dream job for me, to coach Munster. I want to thank all the players, coaches and staff that I worked with over the years, and also thank the supporters who have always been there for us.

"Leaving the province is not a decision I took lightly, but I look forward to watching the squad go from strength to strength and wish them continued success."

Jones commented: "It has been an absolute honour to have played for, and to have coached Munster. I would like to thank the players, coaches, management and fans who have supported me over the last 10 years.

"We will continue our drive to end the season on a high, and I look forward to being a Munster supporter in the future."

The province has commenced the process of identifying suitable candidates to join van Graan and defence coach JP Ferreira next season.

WATCH: Part four of the RugbyPass documentary series on Leicester Tigers