Who could replace Declan Kidney? JOE runs the rule over the contenders

After Ireland’s demoralising defeat to Scotland, it would appear that Declan Kidney’s time in charge will come to an end after the trip to Italy. But who could take over the hotseat?

By Declan Whooley

After Heineken Cup success with Munster and the Grand Slam in his first season in charge of Ireland in 2009, results have been disappointing over the past two years, with many below-par performances.

With his contract due to run-out at the end of the season, a strong Six Nations was vital, and while it got off to the best possible start in Cardiff, the results and performances against England and Scotland were underwhelming to say the least.

4/11 before the game to be Ireland coach for next season, the odds dropped considerably after the four point loss and if, as expected, his contract is not renewed, JOE takes a look at five of the most likely candidates to replace the Cork man.

Joe Schmidt

The New Zealander has taken Leinster to new levels since taking over the reins from Michael Cheika in 2010. The invention and discipline instilled by Schmidt has helped the province dominate in Europe, though this year’s set-back will have been a major disappointment.

Steeped in success, he helped Clermont finally land the French Championship before guiding Leinster to back-to-back Heineken Cups and given the way he has helped make the Leinster backline into one of the most potent in the game, he would be a welcome appointment in the hotseat.

He has only recently signed a one-year extension with Leinster and has said that he would not rule out a return to his homeland because of family commitments.

Conor O’Shea

The current Director of Rugby at Harlequins and RTE pundit would be a hugely popular choice. His no-nonsense talking – it helps sitting next to George Hook – and insightful analysis as a pundit shows a deep understanding for the game and Harlequins are a club transformed since he took over.

Having won the Premiership last year for the first time in their history, they also lowered Munster's colours at Thomond Park in the Amlin Challenge Cup. They have been the form team in the Heineken Cup this year and his already high stock has risen even further. He was voted Rugby Director of the Year aged just 32 at London Irish while he has also worked with the RFU.

Would he want the Ireland position? He is enjoying great success in England with 'Quins going from strength to strength, while others have suggested the top job in the RFU might be more appealing.

Mike Ruddock

The current under-20 head coach is more than familiar with the IRFU system and led the country to their most impressive Junior World Cup finish in South Africa last year, beating the hosts, England and France on the way to a fifth-place finish.

Coach of the 2005 Welsh side that claimed the Grand Slam, his international pedigree coupled with his knowledge of the underage Irish talent since his u-20 appointment in 2010 would make him a decent shout to replace Kidney.

Michael Cheika

The Waratahs coach is back in his homeland, but for his achievements with Leinster alone, he could be an outside shout for the role. While Joe Schmidt has taken them to a new level, it was the Australian who brought the self-belief and determination to a talented but under-performing outfit.

His subsequent post at Stade Francais was not nearly as successful. The Director of Rugby spent two years at the Paris-based club but mediocre results and off-field fall-outs brought an end to his time in France before he picked up the reins at the Waratahs for this season.

Graham Henry

The 66 year-old has an impressive CV, but whether he would be willing to commit himself to the rigours of another international role is unknown. After landing the World Cup in his homeland, Henry retired with a winning percentage of 84 per cent with the All Blacks, though he was lucky to survive after the 2007 World Cup defeat to France.

Currently working in a consultancy role with the Argentinian rugby federation, Henry has experience in the Northern Hemisphere with his four-year stint with Wales while also managing the 2001 Lions.

A decorated CV undoubtedly, but whether he has the stomach for a battle coming towards the end of his managerial career (Trapattoni anyone?) is questionable.

Irish coach?

Aside from Conor O’Shea, an Irish coach would appear very unlikely at the present time. Michal Bradley has had a disappointing season with Edinburgh and the club has decided not to renew his contract.

As of next season, all four Provinces will be coached by Kiwis, but the last man currently standing, Eric Elwood, has said that he is looking to take a break from the game. He has helped transform the fortunes of the province, while he did coach the Ireland under-20s to a Grand Slam in 2007. Probably the leading Irish coach on these shores, his break from the game means even a backroom role is unlikely.

Mark McCall is flying high with Saracens both domestically and in Europe, but it is unlikely that he would be prized away from the London side at this moment in time.