Conor O’Shea’s Harlequins farewell didn’t go according to plan as Montpellier claimed the Challenge Cup and the former Ireland international concedes that his move to become Italy coach may have been a factor.
Quins fought back from 26-9 down but fell short of forcing extra-time by just seven points in the final in Lyon.
“Sport doesn’t afford you scripts,” O’Shea told RTÉ Sport.
“As a club we’ll have to reflect on two Six Nations in a row when we lose so many players that has kind of derailed the momentum in our season.
“I thought the players fought tooth and nail, at 26-9 they could have easily raised the white flag but you saw a team who kept on coming and that shows the true heart and spirit of anyone.
“The energy moments that people back home are sick of hearing me talk about just didn’t go our way. That’s credit to the breakdown work of Montpellier.
“We fought and fought and I’m proud of that.
“It’s been a difficult last couple of months since the announcement of me moving on; that might be a factor in things.
"I’m very proud of just meeting and working with some great people"
The loss brings down the curtain on O’Shea’s time in England, for now at least, and he says that will look back fondly on his six years there after the disappointment of defeat ebbs.
The RTÉ columnist said: “Time will help, I’m very proud of just meeting and working with some great people and look forward to the next job.
“I’m proud of a very special group of people that I’ve been allowed to work with for the last six years and hopefully I’ve contributed a small part to a great club.”
The Dubliner is now looking forward to spending some down time with his family ahead of Italy’s summer Tests against Argentina, USA and Canada.
“Listen, I haven’t had time to think about that now. I’ll just try to get myself mentally right and spend some time with my family,” he added.
