HARLEQUINS HAVE ANNOUNCED that Conor O’Shea will leave the club at the end of the current season.
The 35-times capped former Ireland fullback has been director of rugby at the Premiership club since 2009, and guided the club to the 2011/12 English title.
O’Shea has won many fans with his ambitious attacking approach with Quins, while his investment in homegrown players has also been viewed positively. His departure in the summer will be a blow for the London-based club.
The Irishman has been heavily linked with the position of head coach with the Italian national team.
“I will have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to contribute to this special club for over six years come May,” said O’Shea of his decision to leave Quins. “I have enjoyed working with everybody at Harlequins, from the players to the staff to the supporters. Having said that, the end of this season is the right time for me to move on.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Harlequins’ CEO David Ellis commended 45-year-old O’Shea’s fine work with the club.
“On behalf of all of us associated with Harlequins I would like to thank Conor for his tireless and selfless commitment over the last six years, guiding us through our most successful period on the field,” said Ellis.
“Conor will leave the club in a significantly better place than he found us and for that we are all grateful to him.
“We all wish him and his family good fortune and every success in the future; there will always be a warm welcome for Conor at The Stoop.”
