Former Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan has criticised the IRFU and Connacht for not being given the chance to make a bid to take over from Eric Elwood. Ireland’s longest serving coach was told yesterday that following a meeting between IRFU and Connacht officials on Tuesday, he was not being called for an interview.

O’Sullivan, who led Ireland to three Triple Crowns, coached Connacht at the outset of the professional era before going on to take the national job for seven years.

He said he did not feel he had any entitlement or expectation to be appointed Connacht head coach but felt his track record, which includes being head coach at three World Cups and an assistant at two more, would have been enough for him to be at least called for an interview.

“I am very disappointed that I didn’t get called to interview. I thought it was reasonable to expect to sit down with them to discuss the vision I had for Connacht, especially given my background.

“It is extremely disappointing not to get that opportunity to lay out my vision for Connacht,” said O’Sullivan, who lives in Moylough in Co Galway and who is now likely to focus on securing a post overseas.

Connacht chief executive Tom Sears said: “It is a confidential process. The only person I will comment on will be the person we appoint to the position.”

Former Ospreys boss Seán Holley and Clermont backs coach Alex King are believed to be strongly in the running for the post.