O'Sullivan quits as Ireland coach
Eddie O'Sullivan's reign as Ireland coach was over on Wednesday when his resignation was accepted by the Irish Rugby Football Union.
Eddie O'Sullivan's reign as Ireland coach was over on Wednesday when his resignation was accepted by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU).
O'Sullivan's position had been rendered untenable by an abysmal season that reached its nadir with last year's humiliating group exit from the World Cup.
The 49-year-old was given the Six Nations to save his job but Ireland's fourth-place finish – their worst championship since 1999 – spelt the end.
In a statement released by his agent John Baker late on Wednesday – confirmation from the IRFU is expected on Thursday – O'Sullivan announced his decision to step down.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
It was understood during the aftermath of Saturday's 33-10 mauling by England that O'Sullivan would meet with the IRFU 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 six and a half years as Ireland coach, but the former Munster winger's record stands up to scrutiny.
He presided over three Triple Crowns in four seasons – an unparalleled record of success not enjoyed by any of his predecessors.
Ireland rose to a highest-ever third in the IRB World Rankings in November 2006 and they entered the World Cup with genuine ambitions of reaching the semi-finals.
But their campaign unravelled amid shambolic victories over Namibia and Georgia and emphatic defeats by Group D heavyweights France and Argentina.
All senior players had been rested for the preceding summer tour to Argentina and by the time they arrived in France they were undercooked.
Also contributing to their downfall was O'Sullivan's conservative team selections and unfathomable refusal to make changes when key players were under-performing.
Critics have often cited his resistance to change as a major shortcoming, and during this season's Six Nations the introduction of new faces such as Rob Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald was forced upon him by a spate of injuries.
O'Sullivan's future appeared in major jeopardy as Ireland struggled to dispatch Italy in their Six Nations opener.
And he was effectively doomed when his side's title hopes were destroyed by a convincing home defeat by Grand Slam winners Wales.
It remains to be seen how history will judge him as, although Ireland thrived under his stewardship, the nagging feeling he should have achieved more with the nation's 'golden generation' is impossible to ignore.
Eddie O'Sullivan Factfile:
1958: Born Youghal, County Cork, November 21.
1976: Begins modest playing career at Garryowen as a winger before joining Munster. Won one Ireland 'A' Cap. Played while teaching at Mountbellow, County Galway.
1995: Named Ireland Under-21 coach after starting tracksuit career with spells at Blackrock College, Buccaneers and Connacht.
1996: Won Triple Crown with Ireland Under-21s, beating Sir Clive Woodward's England in the process.
1999: Coaches US Eagles at World Cup before being named Ireland's assistant coach.
2001: Replaces Ireland coach Warren Gatland in acrimonious circumstances.
2003: Beaten by Woodward's England in Grand Slam decider. Ireland knocked out of World Cup quarter-finals by France.
2004: Masterminded Ireland's first Triple Crown for 19 years and the first of three in four years, sparking a period of unparalleled success in the nation's rugby history. Appointed Lions assistant coach for the ill-fated 2005 tour to New Zealand.
2006: Wins second Triple Crown but misses out on Grand Slam with defeat by perennial bogey team France.
2007: March – Celebrates third Triple Crown but France edge Six Nations title with an injury-time try against Scotland that hands them the championship on points difference.
August – Controversially awarded new four-year contract by Irish Rugby Football Union.
June – Takes under-strength team to Argentina for summer tour so senior players undercooked for World Cup.
September – Oversees disastrous World Cup pool campaign, which includes shocking 14-10 victory over minnows Georgia. Defeats to France and Argentina end Ireland's tournament.
October – Given vote of confidence by IRFU who initiate independent review into the World Cup.
2008: March – Ireland finish fourth in Six Nations, their worst championship performance since 1999. Emphatic 33-10 defeat by England spells the end of six-and-a-half year reign as Ireland coach.
March 19 – Resigns as Ireland coach.