On the international stage, he helped to anchor England to the first World Cup sevens title in 1993 and three years later he earned the first of his eight full international caps against Italy.
"Winning the sevens, and beating New Zealand, Fiji, South Africa and Australia on the way, was very special-and to score at Twickenham when I won my first cap was outstanding," Sheasby said.
"Winning the league is like a marathon, which is worth remembering at the start of a season. There is no luck involved. You have to have the confidence and total belief that somehow you will come out on top."
While on holiday in the Bahamas this summer, Sheasby wondered if he might exercise a release clause in his contract with the Irish. " Suddenly there was a switch and I was looking forward to it again," he said. "But it was a close decision."
So the Irish, who face newcomers Leeds in the Zurich Premiership at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday, will have Sheasby on duty for another season. "After that I am not discounting anything," he said.
"But I would like to win a place in the Commonwealth Games sevens next summer, then become playercoach to a side with aspirations in the fourth or fifth division. Ultimately, I'd like to coach Quins."
Harlequins, led by Australia's Garrick Morgan, have Lions hooker Keith Wood making his first start of the season against Bristol at The Stoop tomorrow and introduce Scott Bemand at scrum-half.
Saracens face Gloucester at Vicarage Road with Australia's World Cup centre Tim Horan back in the side. Wasps, hit by back-row injuries, introduce Colin Allen at flanker at Leicester.
