Eddie O’Sullivan may only have been appointed Ireland coach in November 2001, but this will be his second Rugby World Cup having been National Technical Director and assistant coach to the US Eagles in 1999.
The Irishman, who succeeded Warren Gatland as head coach, turned down an offer to remain in the United States after Rugby World Cup 1999 with the opportunity to become assistant coach of his country’s national side proving too good to pass up.
O’Sullivan made a winning start to his reign with a 54-10 Six Nations defeat of Wales at Lansdowne Road in March 2002, and led Ireland to a record 10 straight Test victories before defeat by England in their Grand Slam deciding match a year later.
Credited with bringing excitement and innovation to the Irish backline, O’Sullivan cut his teeth as a coach on the domestic scene with the Connacht province and Blackrock College before taking responsibility for the national Under 21 team.
O’Sullivan, who went to the United States in 1997 and was linked with their vacant head coach position shortly before his elevation to the Ireland role, played his rugby as a centre for Garryowen and Munster.