An independent consultant has been appointed to investigate Ireland's calamitous World Cup.
The Irish Rugby Football Union has set up a review group to oversee the process with the IRFU Committee ready to act on the findings.
Brian Porteous of Genesis Consulting will lead the evaluation and has been given permission to canvas the players for their views via questionnaires and interviews.
Ireland head coach Eddie O'Sullivan will also be asked to give his verdict on the nation's dismal group exit from the World Cup.
IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said: ``This will be a very thorough procedure.
``The review is designed to professionally and methodically assess performance in all aspects of our preparation and participation in the World Cup.
``It is also there to identify the lessons that can be learnt for the future.''
Work has already begun on the review, which is expected to take a ``matter of months'' to complete in order not to ``compromise the integrity of the process``.
Ireland are still reeling from their abysmal performance in the World Cup's 'group of death'.
They arrived in France with genuine ambitions of reaching the semi-finals but instead finished third in their pool, a stupefying nine points behind winners Argentina.
Big name players such as Ronan O'Gara and Gordon D'Arcy failed to produce as Ireland lurched from one disappointment to another on the pitch.
But it was O'Sullivan's reputation that took the greatest battering with the failure to inspire his misfiring players and refusal to make major changes to the team attracting intense criticism.
Browne gave O'Sullivan his backing after the tournament and whatever the finding of the review, he is likely to remain in charge for the Six Nations.
But it is hard to see the 48-year-old surviving a poor spring.