O'Sullivan steps down as Ireland coach

The hunt for the next Ireland rugby coach is on after Eddie O'Sullivan announced his resignation after six and a half years in the job.

The most successful coach in Irish rugby history was given a four-year contract extension before the World Cup but a dismal campaign in France and a fourth place finish in this year's Six Nations put him under severe pressure.

In a statement released this evening, O'Sullivan said: "At the conclusion of the Six Nations Championship 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 departure comes after the strength-and-conditioning coach Mike McGurn and skills coach Bryan McLoughlin left the coaching ticket on Tuesday.

His reign began in 2001 when he succeeded the current Wales boss Warren Gatland, whom he had previously assisted as a backs coach.

He led Ireland to three Triple Crowns but failed to win a Six Nations championship, while his sides also failed to deliver in the World Cups of 2003 and 2007.

Ireland were dumped out of the 2003 tournament when beaten 43-21 by France in the quarter-finals.

Last year, O'Sullivan's side stumbled to narrow victories over minnows Namibia and Georgia before defeats to Argentina and hosts France led to an embarrassing exit in the pool stages.

Given the talented pool of players at the IRFU's disposal there will be no shortage of applications to replace the Corkman.

The names likely to figure in the race to succeed O'Sullivan are Munster coach Declan Kidney, World Cup winning South African coach Jake White and Australian Pat Howard, formerly of Leicester Tigers.

Former Ireland scrumhalf and current Connacht coach Michael Bradley has his admirers within the union and may also be a contender.

The news that Alan Gaffney is set to re-join Leinster and former Ireland international Conor O'Shea has been appointed national director of the English Institute of Sport looks likely to rule the pair out of contention for a post within the new set-up.