O'Sullivan was in charge of Ireland for seven years before a disappointing RBS 6 Nations campaign combined with an early World Cup exit to end his reign.

Now, with Ospreys still searching for a replacement for Lyn Jones, who was sacked as the EDF Energy Cup holders' head coach last May, O’Sullivan is keen to get back involved.

"I have had three months off and I am itching to get back on the horse," he said. "The Ospreys are certainly one of the high-profile teams around which has a vacancy and they will be competitive in the Heineken Cup.

"That is the marketplace you want to be in as a coach. It is where you want to ply your stock in trade and it is a very attractive position down there and certainly a very interesting position.

“I know Wales well having been to the country a thousand times as Ireland coach. I have watched a number of Celtic league matches and know the regions and a lot of the players.

“The country has a fantastic rugby culture and I love that about the place. It is a part of the world I very much like.”