Munster coach Declan Kidney has been confirmed as the new head coach of Ireland. Kidney will take his new role after Ireland's summer's tour to New Zealand and Australia and will remain in charge until the next World Cup campaign.
South Africa's World Cup-winning coach Jake White, former Leicester boss Pat Howard and Wales' Grand Slam-winning coach Mike Ruddock were all linked with the post. But the Irish Rugby Football Union have turned to Kidney, who worked as Eddie O'Sullivan's assistant between 2002 and 2004, and has delivered great success to Munster on the European stage.
Under Kidney, Munster have been remarkably consistent in the Heineken Cup, losing two finals against Leicester and Northampton before finally clinching their first Heineken triumph in 2006 with victory over Biarritz at the Millennium Stadium. Kidney returns to Cardiff with Munster on May 24 chasing a second European victory in three years before assuming the biggest job of his career.
"There is no greater honour for any coach than to lead his own country," said Kidney. "I have had that privilege at several levels of the game in Ireland from schools and under-19s as well as working with the senior Ireland team and I am delighted to have this opportunity and to be here at what is the pinnacle of my career.
"I have worked with many exceptional players during my career at both international and provincial level and there is no doubt that we have the talent in Ireland to be successful at the highest level. The challenge going forward for the Ireland team and Irish rugby as a whole is to continue the growth and success on the field.
"I am excited about the challenge and looking forward to working with the players. My focus now for the next three weeks will be totally on the Munster team and the preparation for the Heineken European Cup final."
O'Sullivan resigned as Ireland coach in March in the wake of a disappointing World Cup performance and their worst ever Six Nations campaign.
Kidney will have no input in the selection or preparation of the squad for the forthcoming tour, with the IRFU expected to confirm a temporary management team shortly.
