Scrum of the Earth /

Resignation: 'the acceptance of something that is undesirable but inevitable.'

Ever since Eddie O'Sullivan signed a four-year extension as Ireland coach before the World Cup, his shelf life was rocky at best.

Not the kind of man who would jump unless he was given a rather forceful nudge, especially with a rather lucrative and very generous contract still paying the bills, O'Sullivan had seemingly dug himself so deep into the mire that the only way out was to escape via a tunnel underneath Lansdowne Road.

After leading Ireland through a disastrous World Cup campaign, whimpering out at the group stage, he guided a poor class of 2008 to their worst ever Six Nations finish since 1999.

O'Sullivan showed far too much faith in players who were clearly out of form such as Ronan O'Gara, leading to serious doubts cast over his management style.

His lack of a ruthless streak gave the wrong impression of an unwillingness to experiment with new talent, which in fact was a policy dictated by people at the top table of Irish rugby.

The critics have been harsh with O'Sullivan receiving more complaints than OFCOM over the ITV telephone saga.

In an Ireland career that lasted six years O'Sullivan had overseen Ireland's most successful rugby era, but still hadn't won anything apart from a trio of Triple Crowns.

The IRFU will have enviously peered over at their Welsh neighbours, scratching their heads at how such an unglamorous squad can boast two Grand Slams in the past four years - a period blessed with Ireland’s most talented group of players.

Declan Kidney and Jake White are the favourites to take over but Pat Howard’s complete ignorance for conservatism would be a preferred option with the supporters.

Eddie O'Sullivan, coach, was appointed November 28 2001. He was found unemployed on March 20, 2008.