DUBLIN (Reuters) - The Irish Rugby Football Union has chosen Munster's Declan Kidney as the new head coach of the Ireland rugby team, the IRFU said on Wednesday.

"The 48-year-old current Munster coach has been invited to sign a contract that will see him lead Ireland up to and including Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand," the IRFU said in a statement.

Ireland started searching for a new coach in March when Eddie O'Sullivan left after a poor World Cup and Six Nations campaign. (Reporting by Andras Gergely; Editing by Peter Rutherford)