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Rugby

07th Dec 2015

Conor O’Shea rejects chance to become international coach with Italy

Azzurri approach

Gareth Makim

Happy at Harlequins.

Former Ireland full-back Conor O’Shea has confirmed that he has been approached by Italy about coaching the Azzurri but insists he wants to remain at Harlequins for the foreseeable future.

O’Shea, currently Director of Rugby at the Stoop since 2010, has long been touted as a future international coach, and his fine record at Quins will make him a contender for both the England and Ireland jobs down the line.

The FIR are looking to replace Frenchman Jacques Brunel, who is not expected to be offered a contract extension after Italy failed to challenge for a place in the knockout stages at the World Cup.

“It’s flattering, but no, I’m not going anywhere,” O’Shea, who also works as a pundit for RTÉ, told the Telegraph.

“My job is here [at Quins]. It’s really nice to be mentioned like that, a massive honour, but my job is here and I want to make sure we continue it.

“They’ve been on and talked to me, but that’s natural. That happens in every walk of life, that people ask questions. You’re always linked. There are England jobs, Ireland jobs, club jobs. And it’s very flattering, but my job is here, full stop. I have been approached but I’m sure they’re talking to a load of people and my job is here.”

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Topics:

Italy