O’Shea not answering Ireland’s call

Harlequins Director of Rugby Conor O'Shea has poured cold water over talks of him taking over as Ireland coach should Declan Kidney vacate the position.

Kidney’s contract runs out at the conclusion of the Six Nations and reports indicate it is unlikely to be renewed following defeats to England and Scotland.

O’Shea guided Harlequins to a Premiership title last year and the club currently head the Premiership standings and are set to host Irish club Munster in a European Cup quarterfinal clash in April.

O’Shea rejected reports that he would replace Kidney, telling breakingnews.ie: "I'm contracted to Harlequins until the end of the 2013-14 season. I will be honouring that commitment and hopefully continuing beyond it."

Leinster coach Joe Schmidt and Ireland Under-20 mentor Mike Ruddock have been tipped as other possible successors to Kidney.