Wednesday 20 January 2016 13:51, UK
Conor O'Shea has told Sky Sports News HQ he will leave his Harlequins director of rugby role at the end of the season.
The 45-year-old, who has been with the Twickenham-based club since 2010, is one of the candidates to take over as head coach of Italy, who have maintained they will appoint a new boss after the Six Nations.
O'Shea admits it is an option but suggests the decision is out of his hands, and is determined to focus solely on Harlequins for the rest of the campaign.
"Personally and professionally I feel it's the right time to leave," O'Shea said.
"I've been discussing it with the club for a while so it wasn't out of the blue. It never is when it comes to these things. I wanted to speak to a few of the guys individually before they went off to the Six Nations and we had a meeting with everyone yesterday.
"I don't know what the next move is - I'll see. There'll be plenty of opportunities. I'll make that decision as and when, and it may be made for me in many ways. Whether it's Italy or not will be for them to consider, not for me.
I don't know what the next move is - I'll see. Whether it's Italy or not will be for them to consider, not for me.
"My only focus is on Harlequins. End of story. It's about what this side can be for the rest of the season and try and win some trophies."
Quins are third in the Aviva Premiership and through to the Challenge Cup quarter-finals, putting their unbeaten pool-stage record on the line at Montpellier on Friday night in the final group game.
And O'Shea insisted Wednesday's news will not get in the way of preparations, nor distract the players from the job in hand.
He said: "Everything is in place. We've talked about interference and what can interfere with our season, even things like this, but we don't use it as an excuse. We are just motivated to win things and this is a great opportunity.
"I have so much time and respect for what these players and coaches here have achieved. I've no worries. The day you think it's about you, you should leave. It's about the players and creating an environment for them to succeed."
