Conor O'Shea, Executive Director of Performance Rugby

As Executive Director of Performance Rugby for the RFU, Conor O’Shea is responsible for the leadership, management and strategic direction of professional rugby in England. With the aim to support long-term sustainable success at international level, he manages the England player, coaching and match officials pathways across men’s and women’s 15s and Sevens programmes.

Prior to joining the RFU in January 2020, Conor was head coach of the Italian men’s national rugby team since 2016. He was previously Director of Rugby at Harlequins, where his side won the Challenge Cup in his first season (2010-11), were Premiership champions in 2012 and LV Cup winners in 2013.

As a player, Conor was capped 35 times for Ireland between 1993-2000, playing most of his rugby at full back. He played for Lansdowne RFC and Leinster before moving to England to play for London Irish in 1995. He made 127 first-team appearances for the club, scoring 412 points and 62 tries.