/ 22 September 2003

Ireland put their faith in O’Sullivan

Ireland have extended head coach Eddie O’Sullivan’s contract to 2008.

O’Sullivan, appointed in November 2001 for a two-and-a-half-year period to the end of the 2004 Six Nations championship, will carry on for a further four years.

That would mean he leads Ireland to the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France and the following Six Nations championship in 2008.

”Our decision reflects a job very well done and our desire that Eddie should be given the scope and support to further consolidate his role as National coach through to 2008,” said Philip Browne, Chief Executive, Irish Rugby Football Union.

”We believe it is a timely expression of our confidence in the coach and his players as they prepare to depart to Australia for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.”

Ireland leave on September 28 with the unprecedented record of 15 victories in 17 Tests since September 2002, which has earned them third place in the new IRB World Rankings. – Sapa-AFP