DIRECTOR of rugby John Kingston has revealed how close Harlequins came to signing Ireland and Munster legend Donncha O’Callaghan.

The retiring lock bowed out in style on Saturday as he skippered Worcester Warriors to a 44-13 victory over Quins at Sixways.

During his 20-year career O’Callaghan made more than 270 appearances in 17 seasons at Munster before spending his final three years in the game at Warriors.

But Kingston admitted the 39-year-old had the opportunity to play in England 15 years ago when Quins came calling.

“I got on the phone to him when we were looking for a lock and he had not broken into the Munster team at that point,” Kingston recalled.

“We had a couple of conversations with him about the idea of him coming across.

“Mick Galwey was playing lock at the time for Munster, but he got an injury going into a quarter-final and Donncha stepped in and played brilliantly.

“A conversation then ensued and I said I understand (why you want to stay) as I know you love Munster.”

Kingston also described O’Callaghan’s send off as “the one highlight of the day” as Quins conceded seven tries in a sorry showing.

“I gave Donncha a big hug before the game,” Kingston said.

“I saw Joe Marler talking to Donncha when I went to speak to him about an hour-and-a-half before kick-off and he said he was a really top guy.

“I think everybody who has had the pleasure of knowing him at different levels of rugby know what type of guy he is.

“It was a brilliant send off. It was clearly not the result we wanted, but I am pleased for him.”