0
Former Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has emerged as a contender for the vacant Western Force coaching position.
The Australian has learnt the Force has had discussions with O'Sullivan, and the Perth club is impressed by his resume.
O'Sullivan coached Ireland from 2001 to 2008, guiding it to three triple crowns in the Six Nations and lifting it to third place in the world rankings. This was the start of the Emerald Isle's rugby renaissance.
While Ireland failed to reach the knockout stages of Rugby World Cup 2007 under O'Sullivan, he was applauded for making the Irish consistently competitive with the best teams in the world.
O'Sullivan coached the United States at last year's World Cup in New Zealand where the Eagles won a game against Russia.
His experience in reshaping a new Ireland era and controlling the inexperienced US team could work in his favour.
O'Sullivan's name has also been linked with the Blues, who have advertised for a new head coach after a disastrous season under Pat Lam.
Former All Blacks winger John Kirwan has been mentioned as a possible candidate for both jobs.
Former Stade Francais coach Michael Cheika is regarded as the favourite for the Force job, but the Perth-based franchise is clearly exploring all options.
Other coaches on the Force's short list include John Mulvihill, Brian Melrose and Tim Lane.
The Force has been looking for a new head coach for a month after Richard Graham resigned to coach Queensland next year.
It is an important decision for the Force, which finds itself at the crossroads of its short Super Rugby journey
End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.