O'Sullivan worked with the Eagles in the late 1990s

Former Ireland boss Eddie O'Sullivan has been appointed as the new coach of the USA.

The Irishman will take charge of the Eagles through the 2011 World Cup, and rejoins USA Rugby having worked there for two years in the late 1990s.

"I'm delighted to accept the invitation to coach the US Eagles," he said.

"It is an exciting challenge which comes at a crucial period when I share their ambitions to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2011."

O'Sullivan was an assistant coach and technical director with USA Rugby from 1997 to 1999 before rejoining Ireland.

He will take over from Scott Johnson, who is currently working out his notice with the Eagles before joining Welsh region the Ospreys.

"In rejoining USA Rugby I am going back to my coaching roots as it were," O'Sullivan said.

"While I'm delighted that much progress has been made since my last involvement, I'm driven now by a determination that I share with the Eagles to demonstrate that USA Rugby has the resolve to establish its identity amongst the leading nations in the game."

Ireland are scheduled to face the Eagles in the United States on 30 May, before facing Wales in Chicago on 6 June.

The USA then play Canada in a home-and-away series in July to decide a place in the 2011 World Cup.

O'Sullivan quit as Ireland coach last March, with a 50-28 record after seven years in the 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.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version