Irish rugby coach O'Sullivan quits

DUBLIN, Ireland -- Ireland rugby coach Eddie O'Sullivan has quit following their recent run of poor results in the World Cup and Six Nations Championship.

O'Sullivan's fate was sealed by a disappointing fourth place in the Six Nations, their worst performance since 1999.

The 49-year-old guided Ireland to three Triple Crown successes after taking charge in 2001, a feat unmatched by any of his predecessors.

It raised hopes of a strong performance in last year's World Cup, but the Irish went out the competition after the pool stages, losing out to France and Argentina.

O'Sullivan released a statement ahead of the official confirmation on Thursday. "At the conclusion of the Six Nations and having given my role as head coach much consideration, I have come to the decision to step down.

"In doing so I would like to thank my management team and all the players that I have worked with during my tenure as Irish coach," it read.

Irish rugby union chief executive Philip Browne said O'Sullivan had been held in "high regard" but he would be accepting his resignation.

Declan Kidney, coach of Irish provincial side Munster, is early favorite to suceed O'Sullivan.

Jake White, who led South Africa to World Cup triumph, is also thought to be in the running with Pat Howard and Alan Gaffney other overseas candidates in the frame. E-mail to a friend