Harlequins eye Gregor Townsend to replace Italy-bound Conor O’Shea

EXCLUSIVE

Gregor Townsend could become Harlequins’ director of rugby when Conor O’Shea leaves this summer to take over as Italy’s head coach.

Townsend is head coach of Glasgow Warriors, the reigning Pro 12 champions, and it is understood that Quins’ interest in him is a major topic of conversation around the Scottish team’s squad.

The hunt for a successor is being led by former All Black captain and Quins director Sean Fitzpatrick, who is chairing the panel choosing the new man.

Wayne Smith was set to become the next director of rugby until he signed a new deal with World Cup winners New Zealand alongside head coach Steve Hansen.

Townsend, 42, won 82 caps for Scotland and played in two Tests on the 1997 Lions tour to South Africa, helping secure a series triumph.

He was appointed as Scotland’s backs coach in 2009, becoming attack coach before taking over at Glasgow in 2012.

Last season, the Warriors finished top of the Pro12 League and beat Munster in the play-off final, becoming the first Scottish side to lift the trophy. Townsend’s preferred style of play would fit neatly with Quins’ fast-paced game.