Jumping ship.

Conor O’Shea is set to leave his role as Italy head coach and take up a senior position with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) in their professional rugby department, according to the Telegraph.

England reached yet another Rugby World Cup final yesterday morning with an impressive win over defending champions New Zealand – but it seems they have already begun preparations for 2023.

The appointment of the Irishman was on Saturday described as a “major statement of intent” by RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney, with O’Shea highly regarded within the game by his peers.

O’Shea also boasts considerable experience in the Gallagher Premiership, having guided Harlequins to the league title when he was director of rugby in 2012, before taking up the head coach role with Italy.