IRFU chief executive Philip Browne released a statement on Sunday after Ireland concluded their disappointing campaign with a 33-10 defeat by England at Twickenham.

Browne said: "The IRFU shares in the disappointment with the outcome of this year's RBS 6 Nations from an Irish perspective and will be undertaking a detailed review of our performance.

"Our objective in this, as always, will be to ensure the Irish team has in place the optimal structures to allow it to perform at the highest international levels in the future."

Hooker Rory Best was quick to defend his coach.

"It has been a disappointing 6 Nations campaign and Eddie is under fire," Best said.

"That is not surprising – he is an easy target to hit simply because he is the coach.

"But I believe Eddie prepared us very well for the England game. If you look closely at the video we were close to doing very well.

"I would like Eddie to stay on. I have a lot of respect for him as a coach. He has brought my game on a lot in the last two years.

"When I look at the player I am now, and think about where I was a couple of years ago, I owe him big time.

"The coach's position did not put extra pressure on the team."