The IRFU have brought in an independent consultant from Genesis Consulting to carry out a detailed fact finding mission to assess where Ireland's recent World Cup campaign went wrong and what lessons can be learned for the future.

A Review Group, chaired by President Der Healy, was set up by the IRFU Committee, who in turn called upon the services of Brian Porteous from Genesis to carry out the independent and confidential assessment. Porteous will report his findings to the Review Group and the IRFU Committee.

Today's IRFU statement said: "Following discussion between IRUPA and IRFU, Genesis will also be conducting an independent and confidential survey of players' views by means of questionnaire and interviews."

"As is normal practice, the IRFU Appointments Committee will meet the National Coach and receive his report and they will then subsequently present their report to the Review Group.

"This process will ensure that all relevant factual information can be gathered and that all personnel involved in the preparation for and participation in RWC 2007 are debriefed in a thorough and professional manner for an effective outcome.

IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne added: "This will be a very thorough procedure, designed to professionally and methodically assess performance in all aspects of our preparation and participation in RWC 2007 and to identify lessons to be learned for the future."

"While no definite time scale has been placed on the review, the aim would be to complete it promptly without compromising the integrity of the process. It is anticipated that it will require a matter of months to complete."