Quins boosted by O'Shea's appointment

Quins have been without a director of rugby since August when Dean Richards resigned following the fake blood scandal.

Former Ireland full back O'Shea will join Quins from the English Institute of Sport where he has been working as national director since March 2008.

The 39-year-old has also spent time as director of rugby at London Irish and was the RFU's national academy director.

O'Shea led the Exiles to Powergen Cup glory in 2002 and was named Rugby Director of the Season alongside fellow London Irish coach Brendan Venter the same year.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the EIS. But, plain and simply, my passion lies with rugby and my desire to influence at the sharp end of the game has never diminished," said O'Shea, who was capped 35 times by his country and made 127 appearances for London Irish, having also represented Lansdowne and Leinster.

"So, when approached by Harlequins, a club with an exciting squad, a committed and talented group of coaches and support staff and a stable business model to underpin long-term success, I knew it was a challenge I had to take on."

O'Shea will work with Quins' current coaching staff of head coach John Kingston, forwards coach Tony Diprose and backs specialist Collin Osbourne, although he will not start work at The Stoop until March 2010.

"After a thorough search, the board are delighted to have secured Conor's services," said Quins chief executive Mark Evans.

"He combines international playing experience with a proven managerial track record in rugby and elsewhere.
"We are very confident he has the skill-set we were looking for and will dovetail extremely well with our current playing and management staff."

Quins are currently bottom of Pool 5 with just a single point to their name following three defeats in their opening three Heineken Cup games.