OMNISPORT 

Conor O'Shea has agreed a four-year deal to take over as Italy head coach.

The Irishman has long since been linked with the Italy role after confirming he will leave his position as Harlequins director of rugby at the end of the season.

O'Shea, 45, was on Friday confirmed as successor to Jacques Brunel and will take up his first coaching position at international level on June 1.

"As I said when I announced that I would be leaving, I feel the end of this season is the right time for me to take on a new challenge and I am honoured, humbled and excited that I will be working with everyone in Italian Rugby to ensure they can achieve on the undoubted potential they have as a rugby nation." said O'Shea.

"I spent many years in the 1990's playing against a great Italian side and I know there is the ability and will within this current group of players and the FIR to ensure that the current team can become the best Italian team in its history, but that is for another time.

"For me now there is a job to finish at Harlequins and to ensure we finish this season as well as we can and see if we can add some more silverware to the Trophy Cabinet at this great club.

"I will say my goodbyes then and not before."

O'Shea, who will be assisted by Giampiero De Carli, is charged with the task of turning around Italy's fortunes after they lost all five Six Nations matches.