Eddie O’Sullivan has made a surprise return as Head Coach of Buccaneers RFC.
The former Ireland and USA head coach returns to Buccaneers some 20-years after landing AIL division one glory.
O’Sullivan says he is “Delighted to be back and involved again at Buccaneers. I enjoyed my time there previously and I believe there is a young but highly talented group with rich potential at Buccs to further develop”.
A native of Youghal, Co. Cork, his playing career took off at Garryowen where he played mainly on the wing but also at fly-half. He was a regular with Munster during 1983/86 and won an Ireland A cap in 1984.
Taking up a teaching position he Galway, his first foray into coaching was at nearby Monivea. He coached Connacht in the mid 1990’s and led Ireland to a first ever U-21 Triple Crown in 1996.
O’Sullivan’s next key coaching role was with the USA Eagles in 1997/99 and he then succeeded Warren Gatland as Ireland Head Coach for the period 2001 to 200 8.
During that time Ireland won Triple Crowns in 2004, 2006 and 2007 although the Six Nations title narrowly eluded them on a number of occasions.
The 63-year-old’s coaching successes saw Ireland rise to No.3 in the world rankings and also forge a record 43-13 victory over England in that historic match played at Croke Park in 2007.
O’Sullivan was also an assistant coach with the British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand in 2009.
The Cork man joins Buccaneers on a two-year contract.
