O’Shea gets top Exiles’ job

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

He replaces Richard Sanderson who is leaving early in the New Year to pursue other business interests. Conor will continue to be directly responsible for rugby affairs with head coach Brendan Venter reporting to him.

John Conlan, joint chairman of London Irish, said: “My board colleagues and I are delighted to announce Conor’s appointment.

He has been an exceptional ambassador for London Irish as a distinguished player, a great captain and a respected Director of Rugby.

We thank Richard Sanderson for his valuable contribution over the past year and wish him every success in his new activities.” O’Shea admits that a difficult job likes ahead. “My first twelve months in management at this great club has provided me with sufficient insight to the business to want to take on this demanding new role. I have no illusions about the difficulty of successfully managing to mix the heritage of a club like London Irish with the running of a professional squad and Academy and meeting the commercial demands of the business. I am grateful to the directors for giving me the opportunity to do so and look forward to the challenge.”

O’Shea, 32, joined London Irish in 1995 and played for the club until his retirement through injury in October 2001. He was appointed Director of Rugby in November 2001. Conor holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from University College Dublin, a diploma in Legal Studies, and a Masters degree in sports marketing and public relations from the United States Sports Academy (Alabama) and Brunel University.