Ireland's top rugby official has confirmed that Eddie O'Sullivan's role as Ireland coach will be reviewed after their World Cup exit, despite him signing an extension to his contract before the tournament.

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) chief executive Philip Browne said his association would carry out a wide-ranging review of Ireland's pool-stage exit and this would include an analysis of O'Sullivan's role.

Though O'Sullivan now has a four-year extension to his current deal, Browne said: "We will not be held to ransom by contracts or anything else."

Speaking ahead of a meeting with EU officials in Brussels, he added that the IRFU may seek outside consultants to carry out the investigation.

"I think we must sit down in the cold light of day and once the dust has settled actually do a professional review of the team logistics, medical fitness, players and coaching staff and the administration. We will make an assessment then."

However, Browne said the IRFU would not be rushed into any decision regarding O'Sullivan and defended Ireland's preparations going into the competition.

"It has been a huge disappointment not only for the public but also for the IRFU," he said.

"But we put a lot of time, effort and money into the team, the coaching staff put in a lot of time and effort and the players put a lot of time and effort into the whole set up."

Reuters