There could be a new job on the horizon for one of the most promising Irish coaches in rugby. Former Irish international Conor O'Shea is believed to be in the running to be the next Italy head coach.

Jacques Brunel has already informed the Federation of Italian Rugby that he will be giving up his post following the World Cup in England later this year.

According to reports in Midi Olympique in France, the Harlequins Director Of Rugby is on the shortlist of names that the FIR want to take charge:

The surprise from Gavin Mortimer about the news could be because O'Shea signed a new contract with Harlequins last season that should see him stay with the London club until June 2016.


The reports from France indicate that O'Shea might be offered the job anyway (We're assuming Mortimer mixed up Conor O'Shea with O'Conor:

O'Shea is one of the main RTE panelists, and is consistently linked to major coaching roles in Ireland when they arise.

He is very highly rated for taking over from the Quins after the bloodgate scandal and rebuilding the club back into a respected force. He is one of the few Irish coaches that has a big reputation amongst fans and those in higher management, and most Irish rugby fans hope he returns to these shores in some way in the future.