O’Shea to leave Harlequins at end of the season

Director of rugby Conor O’Shea is to leave Harlequns when his contract expires at the end of the season.

O’Shea, 45, has been in charge at The Stoop since March 2010, during which time the club has won the Premiership, the Amlin Challenge Cup and the LV Cup.

Harlequins say they have begun the search for a replacement for the Irishman, who has been linked with the Italy head coach job.

O’Shea said: “I have enjoyed working with everybody at Harlequins, from the players to the staff to the supporters.

“We have a very talented group of players and coaches who are intent on securing silverware this season and that is my sole focus and where all our efforts are concentrated. I will say my goodbyes when the season is over.”

O’Shea won 35 Ireland caps and spent 10 years as a player and coach at London Irish before taking over at Quins, in the wake of the ‘Bloodgate’ scandal that ended with Dean Richards resigning.

Chief executive David Ellis added: “Conor took over as director of rugby after a difficult period in our history.

“Under his leadership, and through his determination, energy and positive approach, he has helped restore pride in our famous shirt and rejuvenate the playing style for which we are known.

“Conor will leave the Club in a significantly better place than he found us and for that we are all grateful to him.”