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DUBLIN - Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has been given a contract extension until 2012, the Irish Rugby Football Union said on Wednesday.
"We believe today's announcement is a timely indication of our faith and confidence in the national coach and his playing squad as they are in final preparations for the upcoming World Cup in France," IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said.
With consecutive triple crowns and victories over Australia and South Africa last November under their belt, Ireland had been seen as having their best World Cup chance in many years.
Their warm-up matches for the tournament have been less auspicious, however. The side made heavy weather of securing a 23-20 win over Italy in Belfast last week and lost 31-21 against Scotland at Murrayfield earlier this month.
"I see it as a timely vote of confidence in me and my coaching staff at a critical point when we are about to embark on our World Cup challenge," O'Sullivan said in a statement.
Ireland start their campaign at the tournament, which runs from September 7 to October 20, in Pool D alongside host nation France, Argentina, Georgia and Namibia. They open against Namibia on September 9 in Bordeaux.
- REUTERS
