Educated at St. Munchin’s College and University College Cork, Jerry Flannery made his Ireland senior debut as a replacement against Romania in November 2005. 

Flannery crowned his first start and Six Nations debut against Italy in February 2006 with his first try. He also started against France, Scotland, Wales and played in the Triple Crown-winning game against England as he quickly became one of Ireland’s first-choice forwards.

Back fully fit from injury, Flannery fought his way back into contention for the 2007 Six Nations, playing in all five matches but Ulster’s Rory Best was the man in possession of the number 2 jersey for the entire tournament.

Flannery featured as a substitute for Rory Best in the Rugby World Cup but suspension and injury again ruled him out of contetnion for the 2008 RBS 6 Nations.

Flannery has come back in to the squad again in 2008 and has edged rival Best for the starting position in recent games