O’Sullivan replaces Gatland as Ireland coach

Warren Gatland, who is to be replaced by Eddie O’Sullivan (below) (© Inpho)

Warren Gatland has been replaced by Eddie O’Sullivan as coach of the Irish team, the IRFU announced this afternoon.

Gatland’s four-year reign as Ireland coach, which saw Ireland finish second in this year’s Six Nations, came to an ignominious end when the IRFU terminated the New Zealander’s contract.

O’Sullivan, Gatland’s assistant for the past two years, has been appointed as coach until after the 2004 Six Nations championship.

Gatland had been involved in talks with the IRFU all week with a view to renewing his current contract. The former Waikato second row had been seeking an extension to take him through to the 2003 World Cup.

However, no such deal was forthcoming and the talks, heavily shrouded in secrecy throughout the week, resulted in Gatland’s departure. His current contract would have seen him through to the end of next spring’s Six Nations.

Eddie O’Sullivan

Instead, O’Sullivan will take over immediately and is to be assisted by Munster’s Declan Kidney. Kidney will also continue to work with Munster until the completion of the current European and Celtic League campaigns.

In a statement released this afternoon the IRFU confirmed Gatland’s departure: "It has been agreed that Warren Gatland will not continue as Ireland’s national coach. With a view to the forthcoming Six Nations championship and Rugby World Cup 2003, and to allow adequate lead-in preparation, a new coach has been appointed".

Gatland, quoted in the IRFU statement, paid tribute to the Ireland squad. "I want to thank the players and wish them all the best for the future," he said. "I look forward to fulfilling a new challenge in rugby".

The IRFU chief executive, Philip Browne, acknowledged Gatland’s achievements as Ireland coach saying "the IRFU wished to record its appreciation of his efforts".

The timing of the decision was, Browne explained, "in the best interests of all concerned" and Gatland’s contract would be terminated with immediate effect.

Brian O’Brien retains his position as Ireland team manager.

Gatland took over the reins as Ireland coach from Brian Ashton back in February 1998. In that time his record reads 18 wins, 19 losses and one draw.

1998
Lost 16-18 to France at Stade de France
Lost 20-21 to Wales at Lansdowne Road
Lost 17-35 to England at Twickenham

1999
Lost 9-10 to France at Lansdowne Road
Beat Wales 29-23 at Wembley
Lost 15-27 to England at Lansdowne Road
Lost 13-30 to Scotland at Murrayfield

2000
Lost 18-50 to England at Twickenham
Beat Scotland 44-22 at Lansdowne Road
Beat Italy 60-13 at Lansdowne Road
Beat France 27-25 at Stade de France
Lost 19-23 to Wales at Lansdowne Road

2001
Beat Italy 41-21 at Stadio Flaminio
Beat France 22-15 at Lansdowne Road
Lost 32-10 to Scotland at Murrayfield
Beat Wales 36-6 at the Millenium Stadium
Beat England 20-14 at Lansdowne Road

Total
Won 8, Lost 9, Drew 0