Rugby is life!!!!

ddie O'Sullivan's reign as Ireland coach was
over on Wednesday when his resignation was accepted by the Irish Rugby
Football Union (IRFU).



O'Sullivan's position had been rendered untenable by an abysmal
season that reached its nadir with last year's humiliating group exit
from the World Cup.



The 49-year-old was given the Six Nations to save his job but
Ireland's fourth-place finish - their worst championship since 1999 -
spelt the end.



In a statement released by his agent John Baker late on Wednesday -
confirmation from the IRFU is expected on Thursday - O'Sullivan
announced his decision to step down.



"At the conclusion of the Six Nations, and having given my role as
national team head coach much consideration, I have come to the
decision to step down," the statement read.



"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.



"Their commitment and professionalism in representing their country has been consummate throughout.



"I would also like to thank the IRFU for their unwavering support of me as coach to the team.



"In addition, I would like to thank the Irish rugby supporters who
have played a huge role in driving the team on to some outstanding
performances in recent years.



"Finally, I would like to wish the Irish rugby team and the IRFU
every success in the future, in a professional sport that is becoming
more demanding and competitive by the day.



"I will not be making any further comments on this issue for the
foreseeable future, and I would ask that the privacy of both myself and
my family at this time be respected."


It was understood during the aftermath of Saturday's 33-10 mauling
by England that O'Sullivan would meet with the IRFU to thrash out
severance terms.


With a four-year contract controversially awarded before the World
Cup in his back pocket, O'Sullivan entered negotiations in a strong
position.


His fate looked sealed the day after Ireland's capitulation at
Twickenham when the IRFU issued a statement that made no reference to
their under-fire coach, instead promising a review into a bitterly
disappointing Six Nations.


O'Sullivan may have endured an inglorious end to his six and a half
years as Ireland coach, but the former Munster winger's record stands
up to scrutiny.


He presided over three Triple Crowns in four seasons - an unparalleled record of success not enjoyed by any of his predecessors.

Ireland rose to a highest-ever third in the IRB World Rankings in
November 2006 and they entered the World Cup with genuine ambitions of
reaching the semi-finals.


But their campaign unravelled amid shambolic victories over Namibia
and Georgia and emphatic defeats by Group D heavyweights France and
Argentina.


All senior players had been rested for the preceding summer tour to
Argentina and by the time they arrived in France they were undercooked.


Also contributing to their downfall was O'Sullivan's conservative
team selections and unfathomable refusal to make changes when key
players were under-performing.


Critics have often cited his resistance to change as a major
shortcoming, and during this season's Six Nations the introduction of
new faces such as Rob Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald was forced upon him
by a spate of injuries.


O'Sullivan's future appeared in major jeopardy as Ireland struggled to dispatch Italy in their Six Nations opener.


And he was effectively doomed when his side's title hopes were
destroyed by a convincing home defeat by Grand Slam winners Wales.



It remains to be seen how history will judge him as, although
Ireland thrived under his stewardship, the nagging feeling he should
have achieved more with the nation's 'golden generation' is impossible
to ignore.



Eddie O'Sullivan Factfile:



1958: Born Youghal, County Cork, November 21.


1976: Begins modest playing career at Garryowen as a winger
before joining Munster. Won one Ireland 'A' Cap. Played while teaching
at Mountbellow, County Galway.


1995: Named Ireland Under-21 coach after starting tracksuit career with spells at Blackrock College, Buccaneers and Connacht.


1996: Won Triple Crown with Ireland Under-21s, beating Sir Clive Woodward's England in the process.


1999: Coaches US Eagles at World Cup before being named Ireland's assistant coach.


2001: Replaces Ireland coach Warren Gatland in acrimonious circumstances.


2003: Beaten by Woodward's England in Grand Slam decider. Ireland knocked out of World Cup quarter-finals by France.


2004: Masterminded Ireland's first Triple Crown for 19 years
and the first of three in four years, sparking a period of unparalleled
success in the nation's rugby history. Appointed Lions assistant coach
for the ill-fated 2005 tour to New Zealand.


2006: Wins second Triple Crown but misses out on Grand Slam with defeat by perennial bogey team France.


2007: March - Celebrates third Triple Crown but France edge
Six Nations title with an injury-time try against Scotland that hands
them the championship on points difference.


August - Controversially awarded new four-year contract by Irish Rugby Football Union.


June - Takes under-strength team to Argentina for summer tour so senior players undercooked for World Cup.


September - Oversees disastrous World Cup pool campaign,
which includes shocking 14-10 victory over minnows Georgia. Defeats to
France and Argentina end Ireland's tournament.


October - Given vote of confidence by IRFU who initiate independent review into the World Cup.


2008: March - Ireland finish fourth in Six Nations, their
worst championship performance since 1999. Emphatic 33-10 defeat by
England spells the end of six-and-a-half year reign as Ireland coach.


March 19 - Resigns as Ireland coach.