Ireland begin search for new coach
Ireland accepted the resignation of Eddie O'Sullivan on Thursday and confirmed they will begin the recruitment process to find his successor immediately.
In a statement, the IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said: "The Irish Rugby Football Union respects the decision by Eddie O'Sullivan to resign as head coach to the senior Ireland rugby team.
"In accepting his wish to step down, I want to emphasise the high regard the Union has for him and the achievements he attained during his reign in office."
He added: "The matter of other management personnel will be dealt with as part of the RBS Six Nations review.
"The IRFU will now address the vacant position of head coach."
Munster coach Declan Kidney is favourite to succeed O'Sullivan, with overseas candidates Pat Howard, Jake White, Alan Gaffney and Wayne Smith leading the chasing pack.
News of the 49-year-old's resignation was released by his agent John Baker in a statement that pre-empted official confirmation from the Irish Rugby Football Union.
