Harlequins to pay tribute to Seb Adeniran-Olule

As a tribute to the death of the 20-year-old prop Seb Adeniran-Olule, a minute of silence will be observed at Grand Stade de Lyon ahead of the kick-off in the European Challenge Cup final between Harlequins and Montpellier.

Adeniran-Olule, who was associated with the Quins for nearly seven years, died in a traffic collision on Wednesday.
In order to mourn the death of the talented Adeniran-Olule, the Harlequins players will be wearing black armbands as well during the final.

The Challenge Cup final on Friday will also be the last game for the director of rugby Conor O'Shea after his association with the Premiership side for six years.

During the tenure of the former Ireland fullback, Harlequins have managed to win the Premiership, the European Challenge Cup and the LV Cup.

Harlequins skipper Danny Care praised O'Shea for his contribution to the club and the turnaround he brought by instilling the belief in the players.

Describing O'Shea as an "honest" and "positive" person, Care added that the outgoing rugby director was like a "second dad" to the players.

"Conor came in at an incredibly tough time, the club was probably at an all-time low, and he came in and a few people probably questioned why he was coming into the club," said Care of O'Shea, who joined Harlequins after the Bloodgate scandal that saw Dean Richards depart.

"He saw a lot of potential, he saw a squad he thought could do some special things. With his guidance and some good players in the squad we have had a very successful six years under his tenure.

"He's been brilliant for the club, a lot of players have developed through him, and gone on to reach international honours.

"He's always got a smile on his face so the club's definitely going to miss that, but we wish him all the best.

"It's his honesty that makes him such a great coach, and he's the most positive person you'll ever meet.

"He doesn't react too quickly to adversity, he's a clever bloke, he sees the bigger picture and he's been great for us.

"He's been like a second dad for a lot of us, he's looked after us and guided us.

"He'll always go the extra mile, that's the type of bloke he is.

"He'll go the extra mile to make sure everyone in the squad is comfortable and happy and he's a guy that his door's wide open.

"If you've ever got a problem you pick up the phone or go and speak to him. You've got that respect from him, and he respects you."

Friday's game is expected to be a clash of the heavyweights with prop Joe Marler returning to Harlequins after serving his two-week ban while Montpellier boasts some exciting international players.

Care believes Montpellier are a dangerous opponent and urged the Harlequins players to be at their best and grab any opportunity that come their way.

"It's going to be as ferocious as a Test match," said Care.

"We've got to match fire with fire and hopefully use a few tactics of our own to create a few opportunities in attack."
Care stated that a win on Friday will be a fitting tribute to Adeniran-Olule while O'Shea also expressed his grief on the tragic incident.

"Seb was a great lad, who will be sorely missed.

"We owe him and we ourselves a good performance."

And O'Shea added: "What happened on Monday was heartbreaking for everyone in the club.

"In more than ways than one, they will be playing with Seb in their hearts tomorrow.

"That is emotional. To say it was upsetting to see a life lost like that would be an understatement, but we will play with him in our hearts."