Mike Brown relishing potential battle with Conor O’Shea’s Italy

Mike Brown is preparing to face Italy on Sunday but already has his eyes on next year’s match-up and a potential clash with his boss at Harlequins.

Quins director of rugby Conor O’Shea will be leaving the club at the end of the season and is expected to succeed Jacques Brunel as Italy head coach for the start of next season.

“It’s the worst kept secret in rugby,” said England full-back Brown on reports linking O’Shea with the Azzurri.

“Will I look forward to facing Italy coached by Conor next season? I would love it. Turning over Conor at Twickenham — that would make me happy.

“Conor has been great for the club, but things move on and we will crack on.”

Brown’s club-mate Jack Clifford, who made his England debut in the 15-9 win over Scotland, is set to start the match in Rome. He is joined in the 23-strong squad by Sale’s Josh Beaumont and Saracens’ Maro Itoje, which suggests head coach Eddie Jones will try to add pace to his side’s forward effort.

Brown has seen Clifford emerge from the Quins academy, a breeding ground for talented players who are able to handle the demands of professional rugby.

Brown said: “The academy does produce great young talent and they get used to the first-team surrounding very early. They learn the individual skills which mean they are up to speed immediately and know the Quins style.

“The way we want to play at pace with England is similar to Quins and it’s perfect for us. Hopefully, Jack will express himself on the pitch and continue to improve.”

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