EDDIE O'SULLIVAN'S six-and-a-half-year, 78-match reign as Irish rugby coach came to an end last night. He announced his resignation in a short statement, following negotiations with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) over a compensation package for the remaining four years of his contract.
It is believed he may receive in excess of his reputed salary of about €350,000 a year.
In his statement, he thanked his management team and the Irish players. "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."
The short statement ended: "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."
During O'Sullivan's tenure, Ireland won their first Triple Crown since 1985 in 2004, and added two more Triple Crowns in 2006 and 2007, but the team could not win the Six Nations title outright. Ireland had their best chance last year when hosting France and England at Croke Park, but despite a record 43-13 win over England their chance was lost with defeat to the French.
O'Sullivan also presided over a disappointing World Cup quarter-final exit in 2003 and, after controversially being awarded a new four year contract in advance of the 2007 World Cup last September, he oversaw a dismally anti-climactic campaign.
His fate was effectively sealed with a Six Nations defeat to Wales last Saturday week.
:quality(70)/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/irishtimes/9ea5a3c9-a623-43ea-9002-61b245cdabe6.png)