Harlequins coach Conor O'Shea has ruled himself out of consideration for the role of head coach of Ireland, insisting he has no interest in replacing Declan Kidney.

The former Ireland full-back has one of the favourites to succeed Kidney, even before the announcement that Kidney’s contract would not be renewed. However, many speculated that O’Shea would remain at Harlequins, with a view to finishing off the job he has been undertaking with the club for a little over three years.

O'Shea confirmed today that he is "absolutely not" going to leave Harlequins and says he wants to honour his contract with the Premiership club. O’Shea’s contract runs currently runs up until the end of next season.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, O’Shea said:

“Absolutely not. I am contracted to Harlequins until the end of the 2013-14 season.

"I will be honouring that commitment and, hopefully, continuing beyond it.

"Of course with the fixtures this weekend there are lots of questions but I've made my position very clear."

Image: Conor O'Shea
©INPHO/Dan Sheridan