Rugby Football Union (RFU) Director of the National Academy and former London Irish player, Director of Rugby and Managing Director Conor O’Shea is to join the English Institute of Sport (EIS) as National Director.
O’Shea, who will leave the RFU to commence the role prior to the Beijing Olympics later this year, was capped 35 times by Ireland during a distinguished playing career and in his current role has overseen the development of future England stars.
“I feel very privileged to be taking on the role of National Director,” said O’Shea. “It’s a unique role. It’s been a very tough decision to leave the RFU as I have thoroughly enjoyed the job but positions like the one at the EIS don’t come along very often. As a provider of support services to this country’s elite players, I’ve already had experience of working with the EIS and recognise the valuable role the organisation plays in the high performance system. I’m really looking forward to getting started in what is a hugely exciting time for sport in this country.”
EIS Chairman Steve Cram said of the announcement: “Conor’s experience of regional support networks coupled with his first hand experience of competing at the highest level in sport will be invaluable to the EIS. We are delighted to have attracted someone of Conor’s calibre at such a crucial time for the EIS, and the sports we support. The leadership skills he brings will be vital in taking the EIS forward – building on the strong foundations already built and implementing the changes necessary to ensure development of a truly world class support system.”
After starting his playing career in Ireland with Terenure College, O’Shea had a spell with Leinsterbefore joining London Irish in 1995. In addition to representing his country at the 1995 and 1999 Rugby World Cups, O’Shea made 127 appearances for The Exiles and was awarded the Zurich Players’ Player of the Year Award in 1999 before an ankle injury prematurely brought an end to his playing career at the age of just 30.
However he remained at London Irish taking on the role of Director of Rugby and enjoyed immediate success with Irish lifting the Powergen Cup in 2002, an achievement which earned O’Shea the Zurich Rugby Director of the Year Award (jointly with Brendan Venter).
He would later take up the role of Managing Director at the club before the RFU appointed him to his current role in 2005. He is also a well respected rugby analyst for RTÉ television in Ireland.