17 Feb 2009

O'Sullivan may take over USA rugby

6:11 am on 17 February 2009

The former Irish rugby coach Eddie O'Sullivan looks likely to be appointed as coach of the USA.

O'Sullivan is reported to have agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract which would keep the Irishman in charge until the 2011 World Cup.

Australian Scott Johnson is leaving the Eagles at the end of the season to take over at Welsh club Ospreys.

O'Sullivan made two coaching trips to the US last year. He was involved with the Eagles during the 1999 World Cup before becoming Ireland assistant.

The Irishman will be required to base himself in the US if he takes up the Eagles job.

Following his elevation to head coach in place of Warren Gatland, O'Sullivan guided Ireland to three Triple Crowns before quitting the job after a dismal World Cup in 2007 and disappointing 2008 Six Nations.