Munster Rugby is mourning the death of their first head coach of the professional era, Jerry Holland, after his death at the age of 66.
Holland, who has died following an illness, played a pivotal role in Munster's development into one of the biggest sides in European rugby.
Jerry is the son of Billy Holland, who like his father, has been a long-serving servant of Munster rugby, making 247 appearances for the province between 2007 and 2021.
Munster Rugby said on Sunday afternoon: "It is with great sadness that Munster Rugby have learned of the passing of Jerry Holland after illness.
"A legend of rugby in Munster, Jerry excelled as a player, coach, team manager and administrator."
Holland played in the second row for UCC, Cork Constitution and Munster before moving to Dublin where he lined out for Wanderers and Leinster.
He played for Ireland on three occasions before going into coaching when hanging up his boots.
Holland was the Munster head coach from 1994 to 1997, and he guided them to twice win the IRFU Interprovincial Championship.
The Corkman would play a big role as his province made the transition from the amateur era to professional status.
Deciding not to take a full-time role as Munster coach in 1997, Holland returned to the sport to manage Ireland A in the 1998-9 season.
He then became involved once more with Munster and was the team manager as they tried to win the Heineken Cup for the first time in the early 2000s.
After a number of close calls, Holland was involved as Munster won the 2006 Heineken Cup before handing the role over to Shaun Payne in 2007.
Holland went to become Cork Con’s director of rugby in 2010 before also serving as the club’s president in 2016.
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