IF HARLEQUINS take Leinster’s Heineken Cup crown they may have to thank the unusual combination of Michael Phelps, Terenure College in Dublin and Alabama’s United States Sports Academy.

LONDON Irish chief Conor O'Shea is joining the RFU as Director of Regional Academies to head up the network of 14 England regional rugby academies. O'Shea starts his new role in the spring.

FORMER Irish international Conor O’Shea has been appointed managing director of London Irish.