Having enjoyed huge success with Ireland, O'Sullivan left his position as national coach at the end of the 2008 Six Nations and has since been linked with numerous high-profile posts, including those at the Ospreys and London Irish.

O'Sullivan will now dedicate his time to passing on his experience at a number of elite American colleges, including Notre Dame and Rhode Island, as well as running coaching clinics at some of the country's most prominent Super League teams such as New York Athletic Club, Chicago Griffins and Denver Barbarians.

A member of the Lions coaching staff under Sir Clive Woodward in 2005, O'Sullivan will depart for the US next Thursday and will return in time to coach the International XV for the Help the Heroes fixture at Twickenham on September 20.