Conor O’Shea: I never spoke to Munster about director role

Conor O’Shea has denied that he was approached by Munster in relation to their search for a director of rugby.

The former Ireland international boasts a CV in coaching and administration that includes London Irish, the RFU, the English Institute of Sport, and Harlequins, which made him an irresistible target for the Italian Rugby Federation, who have appointed O’Shea as their next head coach.

However, yesterday, the Limerick-born 45-year-old explained that Munster were never on his radar.

“No. Never. I’ve never spoke to them about it. I go back with Garrett (Fitzgerald, Munster chief executive) to the Irish Students tour to Italy in 1990 or 1991. I go back a long way with him and Anthony (Foley) as well,” O’Shea said.

O’Shea also insisted Irish rugby is in a better place than many commentators think.

“People have, in my opinion, completely overreacted over here [in Ireland] to what we in Irish rugby are going through this year. Completely.

“The minute you say that, people say ‘that’s ridiculous, he’s putting his head in the sand’, but that’s my opinion,” he continued.

“I think Ireland will be right back, they already were this year, drew with Wales, lost by a point to France, they were ravaged with injuries. You look at Leinster, Munster, Connacht, how Ulster have done, and there won’t be an issue in Irish rugby for years.”