Ireland’s old splits revealed

OLD wounds could be reopened in Irish rugby this week as some of the game’s central figures lift the lid on the highs and lows of the past couple of seasons.

In the wake of a stunning year for Irish rugby that saw the national side win a first Grand Slam in 61 years, Ireland’s players have revealed they were split in their views of former coach Eddie O’Sullivan.

The Cork man brought his six-and-a-half-year reign to an end in March 2008, following a disastrous World Cup campaign and a subsequent disappointing showing in the Six Nations. O’Sullivan had guided Ireland to three Triple Crowns but narrowly missed out on a Grand Slam, only for his successor Declan Kidney to achieve the feat last season.