Declan Kidney has been named Ireland head coach through to the 2011 World Cup, the Irish Rugby Football Union has announced.

Kidney (pictured), whose Munster side are in the final of the Heineken Cup, replaces Eddie O'Sullivan, who resigned following Ireland's disappointing Six Nations campaign and failure at the World Cup in France last year.

"The record of Declan Kidney speaks for itself," said IRFU chief executive Philip Browne.

"His ability to achieve success and develop players in the ever increasing competitive arena of professional rugby is proven and the IRFU is delighted to have made this appointment.

"While the need to make the appointment as soon as was practicable was important, the IRFU was conscious of keeping any disruption to the preparations of the Munster team to a minimum."

Kidney will play no part in selection ahead of Ireland's summer tour to Australia and New Zealand, allowing him to focus on Munster's remaining Celtic League match and Heineken Cup final with Toulouse on May 24.

The IRFU are expected to confirm a temporary management team for the summer tour.

"I have worked with many exceptional players during my career at both international and provincial level and there is no doubt that we have the talent in Ireland to be successful at the highest level," Kidney said after his appointment.

"The challenge going forward for the Ireland team and Irish rugby as a whole is to continue the growth and success on the field. I am excited about the challenge and looking forward to working with the players.

"My focus now for the next three weeks will be totally on the Munster team and the preparation for the Heineken Cup final."

After coaching Ireland to the U19 World Cup title, Kidney took over at Munster and guided them to their first Heineken Cup final in 2000.

Munster reached their second Heineken Cup final two years later, after which Kidney accepted an assistant coaching role with the Ireland senior team at the 2003 World Cup.

Following a year at the helm of Leinster, Kidney returned to Munster and in 2006 helped them finally secure the Heineken Cup title with a victory over Biarritz at the Millennium Stadium.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport