HARLEQUINS DIRECTOR OF rugby Conor O’Shea has rejected an approach from the Italian Rugby Federation to replace Jacques Brunel as head coach.
Brunel’s contract as Italy boss is not expected to be renewed after they struggled at the Rugby World Cup, the Azzurri failing to get out of Pool D behind Ireland and France.
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And O’Shea had emerged as the frontrunner to replace the Frenchman having impressed during his time with London Irish and latterly Harlequins.
However, the 45-year-old has spurned Italy’s advances to continue his work with the Premiership side.
“It’s flattering, but no, I’m not going anywhere,” he told The Daily Telegraph. “My job is here. 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.”
Conor O'Shea rejects Italy approach
HARLEQUINS DIRECTOR OF rugby Conor O’Shea has rejected an approach from the Italian Rugby Federation to replace Jacques Brunel as head coach.
Brunel’s contract as Italy boss is not expected to be renewed after they struggled at the Rugby World Cup, the Azzurri failing to get out of Pool D behind Ireland and France.
And O’Shea had emerged as the frontrunner to replace the Frenchman having impressed during his time with London Irish and latterly Harlequins.
However, the 45-year-old has spurned Italy’s advances to continue his work with the Premiership side.
“It’s flattering, but no, I’m not going anywhere,” he told The Daily Telegraph. “My job is here. 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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