EDDIE O’SULLIVAN has announced he is to step down as head coach to the USA Eagles after almost two years in charge. The Irishman, who turns 53 on Monday, decided not to seek a renewal of his position and is instead pursuing a potential return to rugby in Europe.
He hopes to be in a position to make a further statement on his future next month. Cardiff Blues didn’t appoint a successor to Dai Young when he took up an offer to take over at Wasps last summer. The Welsh club elected to nominate Justin Burnell and Gareth Baber as interim head coaches with an intention to review the issue after the recent Rugby World Cup. It has been mooted that they are looking for a more experienced coach to take the reins.
O’Sullivan would be eminently suitable given his pedigree but recent events in France might see him courted by Biarritz Olympique. Newly-appointed French coach Phillipe Saint-Andre is reported to want Biarritz’s director of rugby and former international wing Patrice Lagisquet to join his backroom team at national level.
Saint Andre must persuade Lagisquet and his club to acquiesce to the request, an entreaty that might be easier on the basis of the Basque club’s horrendous start to the season that sees them languishing in bottom place in the French Top 14 Championship. They have won just a single game in nine matches, losing six, scoring 91 points and conceding 214.
The club also lost their opening match in this season’s Heineken Cup last weekend against the Ospreys 28-21, albeit picking up a losing bonus point.
Lagisquet oversees a coaching team of Serge Milhas and John Isaac and the club may decide it is time for a change. O’Sullivan’s CV would make him an appealing candidate.
In confirming his decision to part company with the US Eagles, O’Sullivan admitted: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my two and a half years as head coach to the USA Eagles, it has been a rewarding journey working with all the players and staff.
“I was delighted with our progress and overall performances in the Rugby World Cup but feel that it is now time for me to consider other options closer to home.
“The win over Russia and the performance against Ireland on 9/11 was particularly special. I would like to wish USA Rugby every success in the future.”
EDDIE O’SULLIVAN
2009-2011:Head coach USA Eagles (Played 14, Won 7, Lost 7)
2007:Head coach to the Barbarians (defeated RWC champions South Africa)
2005: Assistant coach to British and Irish Lions to New Zealand
2002-2008:Head coach Ireland (3 Triple Crowns, Six Nations runner-up 4 times)
