O'Sullivan puts pen to paper on new deal

With just over a week to go until the big kick-off in Paris, Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has received a major vote of confidence from the IRFU with the offer of a new contract to take him through to the Six Nations in 2012.

O'Sullivan, whose existing deal was due to expire after the Six Nations next season, will now be at the helm for a further four-year term which, assuming he is not sacked in the interim, will see him take charge for over a decade.

"I see it as a timely vote of confidence in me and my coaching staff at a critical point when we are about to embark on our World Cup challenge," O'Sullivan said in a statement released this morning.

"Another four years at the helm further helps me to plan a strategy for the squad into the long term future and that is vital if we are to achieve all our shared ambitions for Irish rugby."

O'Sullivan, who took charge following the controversial decision to get rid of Warren Gatland in 2001, has seen his stock rise considerably over the years and, while he may have been blessed with an extremely talented squad of players, the Cork man has overseen a period of unprecedented success.

Although the Grand Slam has continued to elude his side, three Triple Crowns have been delivered under his stewardship while the regular victories over southern hemisphere opposition (the win over South Africa in 2004 was the first since 1965) has boosted confidence ahead of the World Cup.

"As in pre-World Cup 2003, we believe today's announcement is a timely indication of our faith and confidence," IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said today. "We wish him, his management team and playing squad every success."