IRU search begins

Declan Kidney: Next up for Ireland?

Ireland's union has accepted the resignation of Eddie O'Sullivan, and confirmed on Thursday they will begin the recruitment process to find his successor immediately.

O'Sullivan resigned on Wednesday following miserable World Cup and Six Nations campaigns.

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.

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.

In a statement, the IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said: "The Irish Rugby Football Union respects the decision by Eddie O'Sullivan to resign as head coach to the senior Ireland rugby team.

"In accepting his wish to step down, I want to emphasise the high regard the Union has for him and the achievements he attained during his reign in office.

"The matter of other management personnel will be dealt with as part of the Six Nations review.

"The IRFU will now address the vacant position of head coach."

"His (O'Sullivan's) record as Ireland's most successful coach is his proud legacy and all of us in Irish rugby are grateful to him for the many memorable moments and achievements our senior Irish players and squads attained to during his coaching tenure.

"I want to congratulate and thank him for that contribution to Irish rugby and to wish him every success in his future career."