DONNCHA O’CALLAGHAN has no plans to hang up his boots just yet.
The 38-year-old has signed a contract extension which will see him carry on playing for a third season with Worcester Warriors.
“Donncha is a phenomenon,” Warriors director of rugby Gary Gold said.
“He must be one of the most professional rugby players in the world and the manner in which he prepares for matches, mentally and physically, is an outstanding example for any young player.”
O’Callaghan joined the Aviva Premiership outfit in September 2015, and took over as team captain earlier this year.
“Our recent form has been reasonably encouraging and that provides us with a decent platform for next season,” he said as the new deal was announced.
“People often talk about what Warriors can become but it really is time we started to deliver consistent success on the field. Nothing else is acceptable.
“I believe we have the staff and the squad to compete next season, and I am really excited by the challenge.”
– First published 11.23, 24 April
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
I’m not surprised, the guy is a machine. Himself and Heaslip are built from the same mould.
@Dave Barry: You can add Peter Stringer in there too.
@Dave Barry: from the same what???
@Paddy Mullins: Mould Paddy, you can spell it “mold” but that’s the American way.
@Gary: Peter Stringer best scrum half that never made a lions team !!!!
In fairness still offers more physicality than toner , great pro
@burner: Pointless dig there burner. Ah well, whatever floats your boat.
@burner: God I hate comments like yours. Putting down a player with 50-odd international caps and 200 or so Leinster caps who’s been an important parts of some huge wins I’m sure you’ve enjoyed celebrating.
It’s not just wrong, it’s ungrateful and shows up your ignorance. It’s no coincidence that the likes of you offer no evidence and just ooze out to make your comments right after a defeat
You couldn’t just compliment DOC, no?
Five, that’s five years older than Ryan, and gets contract renewed.
Second rows have the longest shelf life of any position, something worth considering when centrally contracting players.
@Phil O’ Meara: Taking Ryan out of the equation for a moment, 2nd row is a workrate position. A locks ability to get around the pitch and work harder than any other player is paramount. This is affected by age. Although second rows regularly play into their mid to late thirties, very few do so at international level.
@Paul K Murphy: To clarify, and this is only my own theory, there are few locks who play at a world class standard beyond 34 years old because their legs go. Paul O’Connell, Simon Shaw on a Lions tour and Brad Thorn in 2011 are the only exceptions that come to mind in the last 15 years.
@Phil O’ Meara: the reason DO’C gets the contract so easily at 38 is he rarely if ever misses a game through injury, while Ryan has been out for whole swathes of time in recent years, barely making double figure appearances for Munster (in three seasons up to this season he averages 11 games a season/ or if you calculate mins played only 8 per season)…
With those sort of figures, even though this season he’s been largely fit. While he’s looking for maximum return and lengthy contract in his last few seasons, any club will be looking to minimise the risk.
I haven’t a clue about rugby but remember him on latelate I think a few years back giving his views on training techniques. Obviously worked to be playing a physical game at his age. Also a great comment on his game something like sticking his head between two arses and pushing. Funny lad. Fair play
Absolute gent on and off the pitch.
Awesome warrior who puts his body on the line for the us, the unwashed masses.
Taking Ryan out of the equation for a moment, 2nd row is a workrate position. A locks ability to get around the pitch and work harder than any other player is paramount. This is affected by age. Although second rows regularly play into their mid to late thirties, very few do so at international level.
He has a lovely arse