Former Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has emerged as a contender

[SNOB]

Former Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has emerged as a contender for the vacant Western Force coaching position.



The Australian has learnt the Force has had discussions with O'Sullivan, and the Perth club is impressed by his resume.

O'Sullivan coached Ireland from 2001 to 2008, guiding it to three triple crowns in the Six Nations and lifting it to third place in the world rankings. This was the start of the Emerald Isle's rugby renaissance.

While Ireland failed to reach the knockout stages of Rugby World Cup 2007 under O'Sullivan, he was applauded for making the Irish consistently competitive with the best teams in the world.

O'Sullivan coached the United States at last year's World Cup in New Zealand where the Eagles won a game against Russia.



His experience in reshaping a new Ireland era and controlling the inexperienced US team could work in his favour.

O'Sullivan's name has also been linked with the Blues, who have advertised for a new head coach after a disastrous season under Pat Lam.

Former All Blacks winger John Kirwan has been mentioned as a possible candidate for both jobs.

Former Stade Francais coach Michael Cheika is regarded as the favourite for the Force job, but the Perth-based franchise is clearly exploring all options.

Other coaches on the Force's short list include John Mulvihill, Brian Melrose and Tim Lane.

The Force has been looking for a new head coach for a month after Richard Graham resigned to coach Queensland next year.

It is an important decision for the Force, which finds itself at the crossroads of its short Super Rugby journey

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[SNOB]

a rehash of what has been said before but the first thing I've seen mention in at least a week.

[jargan83]

Given players are not going to re-sign until a Coach is appointed I say hurry up Rugby WA!

[wqerti]

Eddie looks better than Kirwan to lead Force, Go Eddie!

[Happy]

I would be happy with Eddie

our membership would double overnight

[jono]

I would be happy with Eddie

our membership would double overnight

To be sure
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[Elf1]

To be sure
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To be sure

[.X.]

In my humble opinion,

in no particular order

Kirwan, Louden and O'Sullivan. All will do a great job.

[PerthChicka]

Louden isn't on the shortlist though is he??

[sittingbison]

Louden isn't on the shortlist though is he??

There are several "shortlists" PC, depending on the journo and which candidate they are pushing, however Louden has no been on any of them. He has always been a favourite amongst we fellow TWFs though.

I'd be happy with Louden, but apart from some small assistant roles with I think the Tahrds he has not been involved at this level so might not have the kudos they are looking for (although his record is exceptional)

That being said, of the ones who ARE on the various lists I'd probably go with Chieka aka PerthChieka %)

[PerthChicka]

PerthCheika LOL

Yeah Louden's name has come up a lot on here but I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere else. I don't know much about any of the candidates so can't really comment except to say that I think a completely "new broom" would be good.

[sittingbison]

I suspect all of the coaches mentioned will be taking out the trash, and if that's not their mentality (like Jake White) then they are not the right one for us.

This was the problem with RG. Luckily for him most of the trouble making brigade had left or he would have been right up the Khyber, but he certainly did not stamp himself on the place, which makes me think it was never his project, his "baby", merely a stopover.

[PerthChicka]

.....which makes me think it was never his project, his "baby", merely a stopover.

Oh, I have no doubt about that. We were merely a stepping stone on the road to "greater things".

[jargan83]

Oh, I have no doubt about that. We were merely a stepping stone on the road to "greater things".

RG will probably rock up to his first training session with Qld and say "just do what Ewen told you to"

[PerthChicka]

RG will probably rock up to his first training session with Qld and say "just do what Ewen told you to"

LOL! With luck, the likes of Horwill, Genia, Diggers, Slips etc will soon put him back in his box if he acts like a dick with them as well