Jerry Flannery: Irish Rugby's academy system at the root of PRO14 domination

Flannery's Harlequins face familiar foes in Ulster on Sunday when the clubs meet in the Round of 16 of the European Challenge Cup

Harlequins line out coach Jerry Flannery is in no doubt that Ulster will be coming to The Stoop on Sunday with all guns blazing.  Picture: Steve Bardens/Getty Images for Harlequins)

Former Ireland and Munster hooker Jerry Flannery believes the Irish domination in the PRO14 and European competitions is an affirmation of how good the academy system is in Irish Rugby.

Flannery, who played 41 times for Ireland and won the Grand Slam in 2009 and two Heineken Cups for his province, joined English Premiership club Harlequins last summer as lineout coach — he now faces familiar foes in Ulster on Sunday when the clubs meet in the Round of 16 of the European Challenge Cup.