Rugby Union-Who will replace Eddie O'Sullivan as Irish head coach?

Jake White
The IRFU may target Jake White the former South African Rugby coach who led the Springboks to World Cup victory in 2007 -against the odds.
However it is well known that White covets the English job. Much will depend on the English RFU’s decision in relation to head coach Brian Ashton. White has in the past been contemptuous of Irish rugby teams. This may be a pointer.

John Mitchell
The New Zealander has played club rugby in Ireland and France. He has served as England’s assistant coach and as New Zealand national coach. He currently leads the Australian Super 14 side the Western Force.

Eddie Jones.
The Australian successfully led the ACT Brumbies. He took Australia to the 2003 World Cup final. He has served as head coach to the Queensland Reds. He served as technical adviser to South Africa for the World Cup in France.

John Connolly
He is former head coach of Australia . Connolly has worked with Queensland Reds, Stade Francais and Bath.

Pat Howard
Played for Queensland Reds, ACT Brumbies and Leicester Tigers. He is ex-head coach at Leicester . He played at centre and fly-half for the Wallabies. He has stepped down as general manager of the Australian Rugby Union's high performance unit. Would be a strong candidate. Has business commitments.


Declan Kidney
Has a strong track record with Munster. He coached them to their 2006 Heineken Cup victory. He also served as coach with Leinster but had difficult relations with some players. This may damage his prospects.

Alan Gaffney
The Australian has joined Leinster. He guided Saracens to fourth-place in the Guinness Premiership. His involvement with Saracens continues for another year. He is an outstanding backs coach. He also has experience with Munster.

Michael Cheika
The former Wallaby under-21s international led Leinster to the Heineken Cup semi-final in 2006. Probably a long shot.

Matt Williams
Williams is an outstanding coach. He has been unfairly criticized for his record with Scotland. Scotland lacked the talent to make an impact. He has also served successfully as Leinster boss. He has just taken over as Ulster coach. The influence of his coaching technique is already apparent.