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Conor O'Shea dismisses Harlequins exit talk

The former Ireland international and RTÉ pundit is constantly talked of as a replacement for Declan Kidney.

HARLEQUINS DIRECTOR OF rugby Conor O’Shea has denied that  he is set to leave the Aviva Premiership champions.

O’Shea has been linked with a move to the RFU’s vacant position as head of player development, while there has also been speculation the former Ireland international will replace Declan Kidney as head coach of the Irish team.

But O’Shea has declared his job with Harlequins is ‘far from finished’ as they continue their bid for back-to-back titles.

“I haven’t a clue where the RFU story might have come from as there has been absolutely no contact by them with me,” O’Shea told the Daily Telegraph. “The Ireland connection had a certain logic to it given my background and, although it’s very flattering to be associated with such jobs, I am more than happy at Harlequins.

“The job here is far from finished. The next nine days, with the game at Gloucester followed by the home Heineken Cup quarter-final against Munster, is an unbelievably exciting time for the club.”

With four rounds remaining in the 2012-13 season, Harlequins are third, eight points behind leaders Saracens. Harlequins will host Munster in a Heineken Cup quarter-final next weekend, the match part of a busy schedule that included a 32-14 triumph over Sale Sharks in the Anglo-Welsh Cup on March 17.

With so much happening at the London club, O’Shea claims he has no intentions of working anywhere else.

“We won the LV= Cup (Anglo-Welsh Cup) last week with a young side, are currently in a Premiership play-off position and have never managed to get to a Heineken Cup semi-final,” O’Shea said. “These are great days for the club and I’m committed to Harlequins.

“There is a whole lot going on and I intend to be very much part of it.”

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    Mute Headtheball
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    Apr 22nd 2013, 8:46 PM

    Stunning stuff. Technique and finish was as good as you will see. All done by the PL top scorer

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    Mute Justin Cantona Slamen
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    Apr 22nd 2013, 11:39 PM

    Don’t forget who put the ball on his foot!! Rooney!! :)

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    Mute Headtheball
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    Apr 23rd 2013, 12:13 AM

    V true. Had a great game

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    Mute John Burke
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    Apr 22nd 2013, 9:06 PM

    Any chance ye have a goal we can actually see?

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    Mute John Deane
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    Apr 22nd 2013, 8:55 PM

    RVP is a class player. Delighted united signed him

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    Mute Vincent Sweeney
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    Apr 22nd 2013, 9:32 PM

    Can’t see anyone challenging Utd for a few years to come.

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    Mute Ted Carroll
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    Apr 22nd 2013, 9:55 PM

    Other than Chelsea and City I think you’re right!

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    Mute Justin Cantona Slamen
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    Apr 22nd 2013, 11:56 PM

    Chelsea? Really? Really? Really? They are a shambles!!
    And City Have the talent but not the squad debth or manager?
    City have great players but they are are terrrible team. Maybe if they got jose in this summer, but if they stick with mancini they won’t go far!

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    Mute joe o dea
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    Apr 22nd 2013, 8:49 PM

    Its as easy as foundation maths

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    Mute Paul Huston
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    Apr 22nd 2013, 10:32 PM

    CHAMPIONS 20! RUB IT UP YA

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    Mute Peter Feehan
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    Apr 22nd 2013, 10:11 PM

    Great. Thanks for nothing.

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    Mute Paddy
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    Apr 23rd 2013, 7:30 AM

    That is such a good goal. One of the best I’ve ever seen, connects with the ball so sweetly. Last season he was my favourite player this year I despise him and the little boy inside too. But oh god how I miss him. Jealousy is a cruel cruel mistress. Well done to United. Won it in style in fairness. There’s always next season

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    Mute Joseph McGranaghan
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    Apr 23rd 2013, 1:34 AM

    20

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