Kidney closes in on Ireland job as Mitchell rules himself out

DECLAN KIDNEY is Ireland head coach-designate after John Mitchell admitted he turned down overtures from IRFU powerbrokers to succeed Eddie O’Sullivan.

Mitchell, along with Kidney and Jake White, were shortlisted by the IRFU committee of Neilly Jackson, Noel Murphy and Pa Whelan entrusted with finding the new Ireland coach.

White’s presence in Dublin last weekend saw the 2007 World Cup winning coach become the bookmakers favourite after thousands were suddenly laid on him.

But White is out of the running as is Mitchell who was a player-coach with Garryowen — Pa Whelan’s club — and then in charge of the Irish forwards for a brief spell in 1995.

Kidney is now expected to be unveiled next week as the new head coach, though it is unclear whether he will be in situ for the summer tour to New Zealand and Australia.

Mitchell, 44, insisted he is content to see out his four-year contract with Super 14 franchise, Western Force, but hasn’t ruled out a return to the northern hemisphere in the future.

“I have had an approach by Ireland,” Mitchell said. “I do not deny that I want to come back and coach in the British Isles at some stage but not now.

“I have a four-year contract here and I’m big on showing loyalty to this organisation. There have been some opportunities since the World Cup but building up this brand new club is important to me.

“I have been very clear about not pursuing any interest from overseas. There are plenty of challenges for me here.”