Another chapter opens up for O'Shea

Conor O'Shea is unlikely to forget the date: November 27th, 2000, the day his playing career effectively finished. Not that the 35-time capped former Ireland and London Irish full back simply doffed his cap to an injury that necessitated four operations, three of which involved serious surgery - he dislocated his ankle, tore all the ligaments around the joint and broke his leg in a match against Gloucester.

For over 11 months, O'Shea desperately tried to rehabilitate his shattered ankle before the brutal truth was confirmed by his surgeon: "Keep doing what you are doing and you'll need a walking stick within five to 10 years."

O'Shea announced his retirement, aged 31, but last week received a fillip when he was formally appointed director of rugby at London Irish.

"It was about three or four weeks ago that I went back to the surgeon. I was training in the gym when I twisted to walk away and felt the same pain that had been bothering me for the past 12 months.

"I knew at that stage that I was in big trouble. I went straight to the physio and he set up an appointment for me with the surgeon. He did some tests, some scans and then told me the reality of the situation.

"Everyone wants to walk away from a sport, no matter which, on their own terms. In a sense that is what had kept me going during all the surgery. I wanted one more game, but that is not to be.

"I don't feel resentful. If you look at Ciaran Scally (the former Ireland scrumhalf) who at the age of 21 was told that his knee wasn't right and had to give up, then it gives you a perspective on these things. He had a great career ahead of him; I was at the more mature end of mine. I was unbelievably privileged to play for Ireland and have the career in rugby that I enjoyed, so there is little to be gained in crying over spilt milk. As one chapter closes another opens."

O'Shea's reference is to his new position at London Irish. "It's an ongoing thing that was sealed with a handshake. Brendan (Venter, the London Irish player-coach) knows what he wants and will have control of things on the pitch. I will look after the more mundane stuff off the pitch. We are good friends and able to bounce things off one another.

O'Shea's enforced absence has effectively seen him fulfil the role to which he is now formally appointed, while his commercial grounding in banking won't be a disadvantage.

"I was always into the commercial side of things. I originally went to London Irish to do a masters in Sports Science at The American College in London. This gives me an opportunity to mix my hobby and my career, and I am passionate about both."

So what were his highlights from an illustrious playing career?

"I have to say that I loved every second. I suppose on a personal level with Ireland it would be winning in Twickenham in 1994 and when myself, Woody (Niall Woods) and Bish (Justin Bishop) were the back three in the victory over Wales at Wembley. That was special because we were friends.

"But if you asked me whether I preferred to play for Ireland and lose or watch Ireland and the team won, I would go for the latter. I think what the present team is achieving is tremendous. They are playing the type of rugby to win matches consistently and not just on a one-off basis.

"I had far more highs than lows and came to realise over my career that the important thing was not whether you received praise or criticism but the importance of giving your best. I tried to do my best every time I pulled on a jersey.

"Everyone would like to write their own script in terms of bowing out but not many do. I have new challenges ahead."

If O'Shea embraces them with the same determination, character and integrity that were the hallmarks of his playing career, then London Irish will be very fortunate.