Firm to probe Ireland’s World Cup failure

IRISH rugby chiefs have employed independent consultancy firm, Genesis, to assist in their review of the Irish team’s performance at the Rugby World Cup.

Eddie O’Sullivan’s side failed dismally to emerge from the Pool Stages of the competition with unimpressive victories over Namibia and Georgia followed by defeats to host nation France and Argentina leading to calls for the coach’s sacking.

The review will include consultation with ‘team management, IRFU administration and others’ along with the players who will be questioned confidentially by Genesis officials.

IRFU Chief Executive Phillip Browne vowed that the study: “will be a very thorough procedure, designed to professionally and methodically assess performance in all aspects of our preparation and participation in RWC 2007 and to identify lessons to be learnt for the future.”

The IRFU Chief added: “While no definite time scale has been placed on the review, the aim would be to complete it promptly without compromising the integrity of the process. It is anticipated that it will require a matter of months to complete.”

Last month Browne said that O’Sullivan’s role as coach would form part of the review despite the latter signing a four year extension to his contract before the tournament.

Browne vowed: “We will not be held to ransom by contracts or anything else.”

In a statement issued last night, it was revealed that: “The IRFU Committee has set up a Review Group, chaired by the President Der Healy, to manage the process and to bring the findings to the IRFU Committee where they will be evaluated and decisions taken as to how to address any issues that arise.

“To ensure that the review is thorough and effective the IRFU has engaged an independent consultant, Brian Porteous of Genesis Consulting, to carry out a detailed fact finding exercise through confidential consultations with the team management, IRFU administration and others.

“He will be able to retain outside expertise to assist in specialist areas as he sees fit. He will report his findings to the Review Group and the IRFU Committee.

“Following discussion between IRUPA and IRFU, Genesis will also be conducting a confidential survey of players’ views by means of questionnaire and interviews.

“As is normal practice, the IRFU Appointments Committee will meet the National Coach and receive his report and will then present their report to the Review Group.

“This process will ensure that all relevant factual information can be gathered and that all personnel involved in the preparation for and participation in RWC 2007 are debriefed in a thorough and professional manner for an effective outcome.”