Quins confirm O'Shea

Former London Irish chief takes over at the Stoop

Last updated: 16th December 2009  

Quins confirm O'Shea

O'Shea: Joining Quins

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Former RFU academy director Conor O'Shea has been confirmed as the new director of rugby at Harlequins.

O'Shea, who has been away from rugby union for 18 months after taking up the position of national director of the English Institute of Sport, takes over the reins at the Stoop from Dean Richards.

O'Shea has previously worked as coach and director of rugby at London Irish - leading them to the Powergen Cup alongside Brendan Venter in 2002 - and is expected to finally steady the ship at Quins following the Bloodgate scandal that effectively cost Richards his job in the summer.

And chief executive Mark Evans is thrilled to have finally have got his man.

"After a thorough search the Board are delighted to have secured Conor's services," said Evans.

"He combines international playing experience with a proven managerial track record in rugby and elsewhere.

Confident

"We are very confident he has the skill set we were looking for and will dovetail extremely well with our current playing management staff."

Having spent 18 months out of the game, O'Shea is relishing the chance to return to his "passion".

The former Ireland full-back said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the EIS and it is a shame that I will be moving on at such an exciting and challenging time for the organisation and for sport in this country.

"But plain and simply, my passion lies with rugby and my desire to influence at the sharp end of the game has never diminished.

"So when approached by Harlequins, a club with an exciting squad, a committed and talented group of coaches and support staff and a stable business model to underpin long term success, I knew it was a challenge I had to take on."

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