O'Shea named new Quins chief
Harlequins have named Conor O'Shea, 39, as their new director of rugby
Wednesday, 16, Dec 2009 02:15
By Alistair Potter.
Harlequins have named 39-year-old Conor O'Shea as the long-term replacement for Dean Richards as their director of rugby.
O'Shea, who has previously worked for London Irish and the RFU, will leave his post as national director of the English Institute of Sport to take over at the Stoop next week.
"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," said O'Shea.
"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."
Quins have been without a permanent director of rugby since the summer, when Richards left the club in disgrace over the use of fake blood in a tactical substitution last season.
The subsequent scandal caused upheaval at the club, and throughout rugby union, but Harlequins chief executive Mark Evans believes this appointment will help the club move on once and for all and progress on the field.
"After a thorough search the board are delighted to have secured Conor's services," he said.
"He combines international playing experience with a proven managerial track record in rugby and elsewhere.
"We are very confident he has the skill set we were looking for and will dovetail extremely well with our current playing management staff."