Advertisement

Here's why Paul O'Connell should leave Munster and finish his career with Toulon

Lots of money and lots of trophies, what’s not to like?

THE MONEY WOULD be unreal. That is one reason for Paul O’Connell to leave Munster, the only professional club he has ever played for, and move to the south of France to join the Toulon galacticos.

Paul OÕConnell Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Yesterday, the French club and Munster both denied the report in the French media that linked the Ireland captain with the move but were Paulie to declare an interest, you can be sure that Toulon’s owner Mourad Boudjellal would show up at his house in Limerick bearing gifts.

A couple of million gifts, you would think.

money

The cash would be an attraction but Paul O’Connell’s stature in Ireland means that he is already very well paid – both in salary and endorsements.

But there are reasons other than money that would make Toulon an ideal place for O’Connell to play on for maybe one season after the World Cup. Of course, his current IRFU deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2016, meaning he would need to be released a year early, which would almost certainly never happen.

But if it did, Paulie would almost certainly excel in France. His rucking and lineout ability would be massive assets in the forward orientated Top 14 and his presence at the set-piece would help shore up the one area where Toulon have looked vulnerable this season.

O’Connell is a student of the game and you get the feeling that he would love to test himself every week in what is probably the most talent-rich league in the world at the moment. The certainty of contesting season-ending games would be big too.

Toulon have made the last three European Cup finals and are on course for their fourth straight Top 14 final. Considering who they have added ahead of next season, that run doesn’t look set to end in the near future.

Paul O'Connell Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

With the retirement of Bakkies Botha and Ali Williams, a second row partnership of O’Connell and Samu Manoa would be even more frightening than the club’s current duo.

Munster aren’t in a bad place at the moment, especially given the recent signing of All Black centre Francis Saili, but even their most passionate fan would struggle to argue that they are favourites for next season’s Champions Cup.

Would Munster fans begrudge one of their legends one season abroad to end his career? Some would probably be angry, but you would like to think the majority would wish him well.

It wouldn’t be Johnny Sexton leaving for two seasons in his prime, this would be a 36-year-old second row extending his career in one of the world’s nicest environments.

The south of France air has rejuvenated plenty of players and given their careers a second wind. Jonny Wilkinson, Juan Smith and Carl Hayman are three veterans who rediscovered their best form after showing up in Toulon.

Would it really be so bad if O’Connell commuted to Dublin during February and March as Ireland attempt a Six Nations three in-a-row?

To make any potential move easier on Munster fans, we have created a mock-up of what Paul O’Connell would look like celebrating Toulon’s fourth Champions Cup in succession (we used Carl Hayman’s body).

paulie Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Doesn’t look that bad of a fit, does it?

The list of imports joining French rugby next season will make Irish fans weep gently

Irish rugby player suffers one of the worst injuries we’ve ever seen (GRAPHIC)

Close
37 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Murphey
    Favourite David Murphey
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 6:03 PM

    Whatever he decides to do, I wish him well.

    Paulie is a legend

    287
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tom Collins
    Favourite Tom Collins
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 8:18 PM

    Well I suppose it’s the same reasons all our best players should bugger off to France. I’m all for a bit of loyalty and a bit more investment to keep our boys at home.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Farzad Saadat
    Favourite Farzad Saadat
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 5:03 PM

    I think most Munster fans would love to see O’Connell in the dug out one day, and its hard to argue that going away and experiencing a different system, broadening horizons and experiencing a different culture wouldn’t benefit that enormously. If he did move away, imagine an O’Connell-O’Gara coaching ticket coming back one day. Intuitively, this feels better than promoting straight through the ranks without going away and earning coaching credentials elsewhere. Just trying to think of an example where that’s happened and its been a bit rocky……… Hmmmmm…. nope, can’t think of one.

    Also, that clips from Brewster’s Millions isn’t it? Love that movie.

    209
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Murph11
    Favourite Murph11
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 6:06 PM

    Paulie is a legend and always will be. I just hope his departure will be treated with the respect it deserves unlike the farewell ROG got which as a diehard Munster fan was despicable

    188
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Robert Behan
    Favourite Robert Behan
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 11:03 PM

    What sort of farewell should ROG have gotten? Didn’t he have a testimonial dinner?

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patrick Shields
    Favourite Patrick Shields
    Report
    Apr 23rd 2015, 3:52 AM

    He never got his bunch of flowers and photo in the Douglas Post

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patrick Keating
    Favourite Patrick Keating
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 5:23 PM

    Leave the rugby to Murray Kinsella Will.

    107
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Macus Mc Mahon
    Favourite Macus Mc Mahon
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 5:30 PM

    Its like a piece pat mc carry would have produced..

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Munster2014
    Favourite Munster2014
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 6:10 PM

    Whatever about the money on offer, Paul O’Connell is fiercely loyal to Munster and is a damn proud Limerick man too. I can’t see him playing anywhere else before his retirement, which he has already indicated will be after the world cup. .

    65
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ken Pepper
    Favourite Ken Pepper
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 5:18 PM

    Ah jaysus it’s like BODs long goodbye retirement all over again. Lol

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John B. Reid
    Favourite John B. Reid
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 8:23 PM

    Given Paul O’Connell’s performances for Ireland this year, under Joe Schmidt, it is hard to argue that O’Connell is not still (in reality) in his prime. Also, a move to Toulon (even at this stage in O’Connell’s career) would further damage the crucial principle that players who play for Ireland should play their rugby in Ireland, and would set a bad example for other good Irish players (particularly as O’Connell is such a high-profile player).

    Paul O’Connell could play at the highest level for another two or three years in Ireland, and then take a swan-song down in Toulon to “rejuvenate” his career. The accomplished second-row, Brad Thorn, continued to play first-class rugby until he was 40 years of age; there is no reason why Paul O’Connell (still only 36, and with a professional work ethic equal to Thorn) could not do the same.

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Glen_Duke
    Favourite Glen_Duke
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 5:19 PM

    Been a pretty average second row for some time now, so I think Munster should say thanks and good luck.

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Elma Phudd
    Favourite Elma Phudd
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 5:22 PM

    Yeah was crap during 6 nations too! What a load of shite!!

    230
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eoghan O'Sullivan
    Favourite Eoghan O'Sullivan
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 5:32 PM

    Good stuff Robson, you’ve changed your name and even changed it again so you could reply to your own comment, elaborate but brilliant.

    65
    See 6 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute B A C
    Favourite B A C
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 5:38 PM

    Glen do you watch rugby you fool im a dub and love watching munster because he is a legend

    68
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Elma Phudd
    Favourite Elma Phudd
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 5:41 PM

    Eoghan, if you are talking about this thread, I only have one account and I’m only responsible for the reply.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cian O Donoghue
    Favourite Cian O Donoghue
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 5:49 PM

    Hes not talking about u.

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gary
    Favourite Gary
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 5:50 PM

    BAC, out of curiosity, what has being a Dub anything to do with Glens trolling?

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rory J Leonard
    Favourite Rory J Leonard
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 5:54 PM

    At 35 and with all those years of toil in the “engine room” Paulie has to think long and hard on any playing career extension post World Cup. Doubtless he will still be as fit as a fiddle, come the time, but he has to carefully weigh up risks of continuing.

    He’ll have done it all if Ireland can triumph at WC!

    A career in the Corporate world might be a better option in the long run for the Maestro, rather than a risky two year pension-topper-upper at the likes of Toulon.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Colm Lenihan
    Favourite Colm Lenihan
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 6:46 PM

    Good man Glen. You’re obviously a student of the game. I look forward to your next insight……

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute billy hamson
    Favourite billy hamson
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 8:52 PM

    Sexton was an anomaly a quick financial hit and a chance to learn french, current irish internationals wont go to france because they are Molly coddled here in comparison. However when retired from the international set up they will go. O’Connell deserves all he gets if he goes. it would be a huge change to play in front big home crowds every week.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Biscuits Patinkin
    Favourite Biscuits Patinkin
    Report
    Apr 23rd 2015, 7:59 PM

    Yeah it was the french language he was after alright. Jesus.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tomás O'Loughlin
    Favourite Tomás O'Loughlin
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 6:30 PM

    That Photoshop would frighten the chillers…PAULIE MAD!! PAULIE SMASH!!

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean Sutton
    Favourite Sean Sutton
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 4:46 PM

    I thought if he had a choice between pau and Toulon he would choose pau with his former colleagues there

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Elmer Homero
    Favourite Elmer Homero
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 7:13 PM

    more likely. Been linked to Bernard Jackman’s Grenoble too

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Donal Treacy
    Favourite Donal Treacy
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 7:27 PM

    Pau could and would arguably pay a higher wage also.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute john connor
    Favourite john connor
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 8:35 PM

    If O’Connell feels that he can contribute to winning trophies I think he’ll be putting all his efforts into helping Munster get those trophies

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John O'Neill
    Favourite John O'Neill
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 9:12 PM

    Id wish him well in whatever he decides. Id just ask him to stay for next season though because I be interested to see what axel can do the new backs signings with paulie leading what is actully becomimg a good pack now its had the season to settle. Please ;)

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alexoz
    Favourite Alexoz
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 7:59 PM

    He could go to Pau (with Simon Mannix as manager & close of Auch where POC got married + Total is the sponsor planning to invest more money). Pau will play top 14 next year. Who knows?

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute #COYBIB
    Favourite #COYBIB
    Report
    Apr 23rd 2015, 12:56 AM

    Will, the standard of your articles have gone through the roof over the last few months, I’ve read lots of your pieces thinking “another great piece by Murray” until I saw your name at the end. Fair play.

    But this is just click bait sh*te.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Hodge
    Favourite Brian Hodge
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 11:08 PM

    The inanity of this ‘article’ graphically demonstrates the irrelevance of The42

    Ireland’s Own or any Murdoch red-top would be a more appropriate forum.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Luke Mc Gahren
    Favourite Luke Mc Gahren
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 6:08 PM

    Haven’t Toulon signed Eben Etzebth as well?

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Elmer Homero
    Favourite Elmer Homero
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 7:04 PM

    No(t yet), would a good replacement for Bakkies though.

    POC’s my favourite irish player after ROG and i’d hate to see him leaving my irish favourite side even to joint RCT

    Now from a toulonnaise perspective, with 300 sunny days/yr, sunscreen suppliers would be delighted.

    Have no idea how much he earns in Ireland, all i know is that Bakkies “The enforcer” Botha is on 400-450.000€/year. God forbid, if Paulie joins Toulon, he wouldn’t get that much, since he’d miss preseason + 8 to 12 Top14 games.
    I’ve also heared about tax advantages he’d lose by he leaving the country, and that his child is too old for such a move. So do you think it’s worth it?

    After retirement, if he doesn’t get a coaching role in Munster or National, we could welcome him in Toulon as a line out coach, à la Victor Matfield with the Bulls or ROG at Racing. Cheers

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jerry Slattery
    Favourite Jerry Slattery
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2015, 10:11 PM

    Bearing in mind his last year of PRO rugby must be played in Ireland for him to enjoy the lucrative tax breaks players get …Is this all a storm in a teacup ?
    Slow news day with no Irish team been left in Heineken cup ! !

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gav O'Healaigh
    Favourite Gav O'Healaigh
    Report
    Apr 23rd 2015, 2:12 AM

    Whatever he decides, the public will support his decision.

    If he does go it would be a great life-experience, he’d earn a load of money and he would also get a lot more perspective on a different side of rugby which would only benefit his post-rugby career.

    Benefits to staying too.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fitzy
    Favourite Fitzy
    Report
    Apr 23rd 2015, 4:34 PM

    Toulon are the downfall of French Rugby. They are ruining the national side’s reputation and aren’t producing young talent. I’d hate for POC to go there.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eugene Comaskey
    Favourite Eugene Comaskey
    Report
    Apr 23rd 2015, 12:19 AM

    If money is the issue here then say no more. He was very good in his day, and after this World Cup I think his day will be over. He should finish his days with Munster, and ride into the sunset. He will have done enough.

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.