It’s understood that Eddie O’Sullivan, former Ireland and US Eagles coach, has held talks with the Western Force to join the coaching team.
Other short-list candidates being considered include Connacht backs coach Brian Melrose, John Mulvihill, who was previously with Irish amateur club, Navan RFC, and Tim Lane.
O’Sullivan, had a relatively successful record as Ireland head coach from 2001 to 2008, winning three Triple Crowns between 2004 and 2007, and has the best win record of Irish professional coaches to date.
Following a poor Rugby World Cup 2007, he left Ireland and returned to the US to coach the US Eagles including for last year’s World Cup.
Force bosses were reportedly impressed by O’Sullivan in initial discussions by phone. They are seeking a replacement for Richard Graham who is heading to the Queensland Reds next season.
O’Sullivan’s agent, John Baker, confirmed that the Irish coach is also a contender for Pat Lam’s position at the Auckland Blues.
“Eddie has not been down to Australia but he has held preliminary talks with the Force,” Baker said.
“It is for a coaching position, not necessarily the head coaching position, as the talks have not reached that stage yet.”
There is also an interest in the vacant position at the Auckland Blues,” Baker added.
O’Sullivan has been on the road for a number of months selling his wares.
He has applied for vacant coaching positions at the Cardiff Blues and Gloucester in Great Britain.
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