Ioan ‘shock’ over release

FORMER Scarlets forwards coach Ioan Cunningham has spoken of his shock at being released by the region after nine years and suffering a second setback in missing out on a plum job in the Gallagher Premiership.

Last month it was announced Cunningham would be departing the west Wales region as the Scarlets re-configured their coaching team post-Brad Mooar.

Cunningham, who worked under Mooar, was left without a contract under Glenn Delaney’s new team.

It was a decision that left pundit Sean Holley “bewildered”.

The 37-year-old was part of the Scarlets recent success under now Welsh coach Wayne Pivac including their memorable PRO12 title in 2017 and their march to the European Champions Cup semi-finals 12 months later.

His CV had looked to seal an immediate move to be part of Paul Gustard’s coaching team at Harlequins, alongside Welsh front-row legend Adam Jones, only to be pipped at the post for the job at the Twickenham Stoop by ex-Ireland international hooker Jerry Flannery.

Cunningham told the BBC’s Byd Rygbi Cat a Charlo Welsh language podcast: “I was in advanced talks with Harlequins, but they decided to go with Jerry Flannery.

“I’d love to help Welsh rugby in some shape or form, but there are positives in experiencing different cultures and competitions.”

“Yes, I was a little bit shocked, but it’s rugby, it’s pro sport, we have to adjust and deal with things very quickly.

“The Scarlets will always hold a place in my heart. We had some great times.”