Eddie O'Sullivan's Ireland failed to make the quarter-finals

Browne said last week the four-year contract given to O'Sullivan before the World Cup would be honoured.

But on Wednesday the mood changed when he said "we will not be held to ransom by contracts or anything else".

Browne added the IRFU may seek outside consultants to carry out a review of Ireland's pool-stage exit.

He said: "I think we must sit down in the cold light of day and once the dust has settled actually do a professional review of the team logistics, medical fitness, players and coaching staff and the administration. We will make an assessment then."

Browne said the IRFU would not be rushed into any decision regarding O'Sullivan and defended Ireland's preparations going into the competition.

"It has been a huge disappointment not only for the public but also for the IRFU," he added. "But we put a lot of time, effort and money into the team, the coaching staff put in a lot of time and effort and the players put a lot of time and effort into the whole set up."

Speaking last week on RTE, Ireland's national broadcaster, Browne was asked if O'Sullivan's four-year deal would be honoured.

"Absolutely," said Browne. "We have put our faith in Eddie. We made decisions last May in terms of where we wanted to go over the next four years.

"We're happy with that decision. In our view he's the best man for the job."