Gaffney out of Ireland running

ALAN GAFFNEY has effectively ruled himself out of the running to replace Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan after confirming he will return to Leinster next season.

The Saracens director of rugby had been touted as a possible successor to O’Sullivan, who is soon expected to be dismissed by the IRFU. But his reunion with Leinster — first revealed in this newspaper — allied to his plans to continue with Saracens in a consultancy role, rules out any international ambitions.

Gaffney steered Leinster to Celtic League success in 2002 and will replace Sydney-bound David Knox as backs coach after agreeing a two-year contract. In a further boost for Leinster, it was confirmed head coach Michael Cheika and defensive mastermind Kurt McQuilkin have also signed new two-year deals.