London (AFP)
Ireland's Conor O'Shea, former coach of Italy (2016-2019), has been named National Technical Director (DTN) of the English selection, the English Rugby Union (RFU) said Friday in a statement. .
The former Irish international will replace Nigel Malville, who wants to "pursue new opportunities".
O'Shea, coach of the Harlequins in their league title in 2012, will take up his post in 2020.
"The RFU has an exciting vision - it's not only about winning tomorrow, but also about sustaining success and winning in the future," said the 49-year-old. "We can really consider rejuvenating and re-energizing the performance path to help, support and advance English rugby," he added.
According to the Federation, it will be "in charge of the players, staff and officials of the men's and women's teams in XV, and sevens rugby," the statement said.
O'Shea will work "closely with coach Eddie Jones, but the England team will remain under the responsibility of Jones, who will continue to report directly to General Manager Bill Sweeney," completed the RFU.
Conor O'Shea had decided in mid-November to put an end to his Italian coaching contract, which ran until May 2020. At the World Cup in Japan, Squadra Azzurra failed to get out of the chicken phase.
© 2019 AFP