Eagles hire Eddie O'Sullivan

Cathal Dervan,

Published Thursday, March 12, 2009, 1:26 PM

Updated Thursday, July 23, 2009, 5:36 PM

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Coaching the Eagles might put the smile back on Eddie O' Sullivan's face.

Photo by EMPICS Sport/PA Photos

The U.S. rugby authorities have hailed the appointment of Eddie O’Sullivan as their new head coach in a deal that will take him all the way through to the 2011 World Cup.

“I am delighted to accept the invitation to coach the U.S. Eagles,” said O’Sullivan.

“It is an exciting challenge which comes at a crucial period when I share their ambitions to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2011.

“In re-joining USA Rugby I am going back to my coaching roots as it were, and while I am delighted that much progress has been made since my last involvement I am driven now by a determination that I share with the Eagles to demonstrate that USA Rugby has the resolve to establish its identity among the leading nations in the game.”

USA Rugby chief executive Nigel Melville said, “We are obviously delighted to announce Eddie as the new Eagles coach.

“He is knowledgeable about the American game and has an outstanding track record as an international coach. Eddie has worked with the world’s top players and will bring enormous enthusiasm to the role.”