Former Irish national coach Eddie O'Sullivan was named coach of the United States rugby team on Wednesday, almost a year after leaving Ireland following a disappointing Six Nations effort.

O'Sullivan guided the Irish to a 50-28 record from 2001 through 2008 and guided Ireland to triumphs over every major rugby rival except New Zealand, but he could never bring home the Six Nations crown.

O'Sullivan was able to develop top talent for the Irish side and the Americans hope he might be able to do the same, making the most of players in a nation where the game obtains at best a semi-professional level.

"I'm delighted to accept the invitation to coach the US Eagles," O'Sullivan said. "It is an exciting challenge which comes at a crucial period when I share their ambitions to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2011."

O'Sullivan was an assistant coach and technical director with US Rugby from 1997 through 1999 before rejoining the Irish team.

"In re-joining USA Rugby I am going back to my coaching roots as it were," O'Sullivan said.

"While I'm delighted that much progress has been made since my last involvement, I'm driven now by a determination that I share with the Eagles to demonstrate that USA Rugby has the resolve to establish its identity amongst the leading nations in the game."

That resolve will be tested in July when the Eagles face Canada in a home-and-away series to decide a berth in the 2011 World Cup.

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