Heading into the World Cup in France in 2007, O’Sulllivan was offered a new four-year deal before a disastrous campaign where the men in green crashed out in the group stages.

But having led Ireland to their first RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam in 61 years in his first season, Kidney has received the backing of the IRFU to take the team beyond the voyage down under where they will take on Australia and Italy for a place in the quarter-finals.

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said: “We felt it was important to give the squad continuity over the next four months and importantly after the end of the World Cup tournament in New Zealand.

“Apart from securing the Grand Slam in 2009, the squad has made significant progress over the last two years in terms of results and the development of players in international competition. This is not only due to the ability of the players, but the standard of coaching they have received.

“The contract extension to the coaching staff allows everybody to plan ahead following the World Cup with a greater degree of certainty and to allow the team to continue to develop. The focus now for the coaches and players is firmly on the preparations for the World Cup and the tournament itself.”