O'Sullivan yet to hear from Ospreys

DESPITE MEDIA reports to the contrary and Eddie O'Sullivan supposedly expressing interest in the position, no approach has been…

DESPITE MEDIA reports to the contrary and Eddie O'Sullivan supposedly expressing interest in the position, no approach has been made by the Neath-Swansea Ospreys to the former Irish coach regarding their vacant head coaching role.

"Of course, I would be interested in the Ospreys job," O'Sullivan was quoted as saying this week.

"They're a top-class professional outfit and they have huge aspirations to win the Heineken Cup. They are the type of club that would interest any coach who is interested in working at a high level.

"I may have to wait but I'm at the point where I'm happy I've had three months off. I feel mentally I'm ready to get back involved in top-level management."

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However, O'Sullivan's agent, John Baker, confirmed yesterday that no communication has taken place between the Neath-Swansea Ospreys and O'Sullivan to replace Lyn Jones.

Jones stepped down as head coach of the Welsh club last May.

At present the Ospreys team's affairs are controlled by director of rugby Andrew Hore with Sean Holly and Jonathan Humphries remaining on the coaching staff.

The Ospreys confirmed Mike McGurn as their head conditioning coach on a three-year contract yesterday.

After six years in O'Sullivan's Irish set-up, McGurn recently turned down a chance to work for the New Zealand rugby union.

Irish winger Tommy Bowe, who has also joined the Ospreys from Ulster, welcomed the Fermanagh man's arrival.

"I've worked with Mike over the last four years and he has had a significant influence over my strengthening and conditioning work, as he has with the rest of the Ireland squad.

"He is extremely highly regarded within the camp there and I have no doubt that will prove to be the case at the Ospreys.

"He'll push the boys hard in training but the difference he can make is incredible, and I'm sure we'll all see the benefits," added Bowe.

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey is The Irish Times' Soccer Correspondent