O'Shea to leave Exiles for RFU post
Conor O'Shea is to leave London Irish to take up a senior appointment as director of regional academies with England's Rugby Football Union.
O'Shea, the Exiles' managing director, will depart from his post in spring 2005.
In 10 years with London Irish 34-year-old O'Shea has served the club as player, club captain, director of rugby and managing director.
He said: “At London Irish I have been privileged to be part of a truly special family. The club has been my home from home since I came to this country from Ireland in 1995. Leaving this unique club will be quite a wrench after the 10 years I’ve had," he said.
“I believe I am leaving the club in much better shape than when I arrived at the end of the amateur era. London Irish now plays a major role in rugby in this country and in Europe and I’m sure it will continue to do so. I will take a special interest in its progress.
“My new position at the RFU is in itself a one-off opportunity. It will enable me to contribute to the development of the game at the elite level in this country. I am very excited about the challenge.”
