(Berkeley, California) 2 November 1999 -- USA Rugby confirmed Eddie O'Sullivan will be resigning to pursue a senior position with Ireland's rugby union.

Having served three years as assistant coach of the United States, through the 1999 Rugby World Cup, O'Sullivan will return home to become assistant coach of Ireland beginning with the upcoming Six Nations campaign.

O'Sullivan, who doubled as USA Rugby's National Technical Director, won consistently high marks for his energy and execution in both roles, but his departure was not altogether surprising given the opportunities in front of him in Ireland.

"Eddie has made an outstanding contribution to USA Rugby, and is a very good personal friend," said USA National Team General Manager and Head Coach Jack Clark. "He is an accomplished coach with a bright future. If the Irish are smart, they won't delay in naming him their head coach," Clark added.

O'Sullivan signed on under Clark in time for the USA's winter 1997 tour of Wales, and subsequently traveled with the Eagles through three Pacific Rim campaigns as well as numerous other tours. In August 1998 the US qualified for the Rugby World Cup, and last month the Eagles made their first visit to the world's championship since 1991.

As Technical Director, O'Sullivan was chiefly responsible for the growth and development of USA Rugby's coaching certification program, which has accredited more than 1,400 coaches in a three-tiered system.

Because of his proven coaching record and also his ability to contribute to USA Rugby's broader technical development structure, O'Sullivan was a serious contender to replace Clark as head coach. As planned, the longtime University of California head man is stepping down as Eagle mentor.

"Eddie was one of several strong candidates to be our next national team coach, but in a strange way, it is somewhat flattering to have the Home Nations vying for the same man," Clark said.

USA Rugby began soliciting applications for the head coaching position soon after its Rugby World Cup campaign, advertising at home and abroad. The search will be exhaustive but also compact, as kickoff for the 2000 Pacific Rim is less than six months away. Completed applications must be postmarked November 30.

To apply, candidates must download and fill out the application form available at www.usa-eagles.org/coachfr.html or www.usarugby.org/mens_coach.html.

© USA National Rugby Team
Scott Compton
USA National Rugby Team
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