O'Sullivan Resigns As Ireland Coach

By Dermot Kavanagh

Coach Eddie O'Sullivan has resigned as Irish head coach, after a six and a half year reign. In that time Ireland played 78 internationals, winning 50 and losing 28.

During O'Sullivan's reign Ireland won 3 Triple Crowns, but despite some close calls were never able to achieve the Grand Slam or even a 6 Nations Championship title.

O'Sullivan's demise can be attributed to a drastic loss of form by Ireland within the last 12 months. In that time Ireland played 13 internationals but succeeded in winning 4 (Italy, Scotland, Namibia and Georgia). O'Sullivan is expected to receive a payoff of about Euro 500,000 as compensation for the remainder of his 4 year contract.

Munster's Declan Kidney and former Australian international, Pat Howard are the bookies favorites to replace O'Sullivan.