Alan Gaffney, the in-demand Saracens director of rugby, has thrown his hat in the ring for the vacant Ireland post after Eddie O'Sullivan quit yesterday.

The Aussie announced earlier this week that he will join former club Leinster as a backs coach on a two year deal when he steps down from his role at Saracens at the end of the season.

Today, Gaffney revealed part of his agreement with the province was to allow dialogue with the Irish Rugby Football Union should they earmark him for the top job O'Sullivan held for six years.

Bookmakers have the Aussie at 14-1 behind other favourites Pat Howard, Declan Kidney, Jake White, Wayne Smith and Mike Ruddock.

"If they (Ireland) considered me for the job it would be an honour," Gaffney told the Watford Observer today. "The agreement I have with Leinster is that should anything come up with the national team they would not stand in my way.

"I have a definite interest in the job, for certain. And that applies to any role within that set up.

"I haven't spoken to anyone from Ireland other than my friends over there. It's flattering in one sense and if anyone did approach me it would be an honour.

"But I'm just sitting back and not getting too excited or carried away about it. I take each day as it comes."

Gaffney, who will still maintain a part time role with Sarries, is excited at the prospect of returning to Ireland where he enjoyed success with both Leinster and Munster.

"Dublin is a fine city and it's a much slower lifestyle there," he added. "I've got a lot of friends over there which makes things a lot simplier for my wife Lorraine. I'm not saying it is harder over here but there is a life beyond rugby."

3:10pm Thursday 20th March 2008

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