Search for O'Sullivan successor underway

Ireland will begin their search for a new coach today following Eddie O’Sullivan’s resignation late last night.

Munster coach Declan Kidney is favourite to succeed O’Sullivan, with overseas candidates Pat Howard, Jake White, Alan Gaffney and Wayne Smith leading the chasing pack.

O’Sullivan’s fate was sealed by Ireland’s dismal fourth place finish in the RBS 6 Nations, their worst championship performance since 1999.

News of the 49-year-old’s resignation was released by his agent John Baker in a statement that pre-empted official confirmation from the Irish Rugby Football Union, which is expected this morning.

O’Sullivan said: “At the conclusion of the Six Nations and having given my role as national team head coach much consideration, I have come to the decision to step down.

“In doing so I would like to thank my management team and all the players that I have worked with during my tenure as Irish coach.

“Their commitment and professionalism in representing their country has been consummate throughout.

“I would also like to thank the IRFU for their unwavering support of me as coach to the team.

“In addition, I would like to thank the Irish rugby supporters who have played a huge role in driving the team on to some outstanding performances in recent years.

“Finally, I would like to wish the Irish rugby team and the IRFU every success in the future, in a professional sport that is becoming more demanding and competitive by the day.

“I will not be making any further comments on this issue for the foreseeable future, and I would ask that the privacy of both myself and my family at this time be respected.”

O’Sullivan’s position had been rendered untenable by an abysmal season that reached its nadir with autumn’s humiliating group exit from the World Cup.

He was effectively given the Six Nations to save his job but three poor displays ushered in the end of his six-and-a-half-year reign.

It was understood during the aftermath of Saturday’s 33-10 mauling by England that O’Sullivan would meet with the IRFU yesterday to thrash out severance terms.

With a four-year contract controversially awarded before the World Cup in his back pocket, O’Sullivan entered negotiations in a strong position.

His fate looked sealed the day after Ireland’s capitulation at Twickenham when the IRFU issued a statement that made no reference to their under-fire coach, instead promising a review into a bitterly disappointing Six Nations.

O’Sullivan may have endured an inglorious end to his Ireland stewardship, but the former Munster winger’s record stands up to scrutiny.

He presided over three Triple Crown triumphs in four seasons – an unparalleled record of success not enjoyed by any of his predecessors.

But it remains to be seen how history will judge him as, although Ireland thrived under his guidance, the nagging feeling he should have achieved more with the nation’s ’golden generation’ lingers.