IRELAND CAPTAIN PAUL O’CONNELL has signed a two year deal with Munster and the IRFU that will take him up to, and beyond, the 2015 World Cup.
The IRFU announced the deal this morning and its CEO Philip Browne commented, “Paul is one of Ireland’s greatest ever rugby players and his contribution to the success of Irish rugby over the past decade has been immense.”
O’Connell, who made his Ireland debut in 2002, will lead his country into this season’s Six Nations having been named captain by new coach Joe Schmidt last November. He said, “I am delighted to sign a new IRFU contract and to continue playing with Munster for the next two seasons.
Over the years I have been privileged to play in many fantastic Munster sides and as we build for the future I am excited by the prospect of playing my part in achieving success with Munster and Ireland in the coming seasons.”
Munster coach Rob Penney added his “delighted” voice to the din. “Paul has contributed so much to Munster Rugby over the years and remains one of the best second rows in world rugby. His experience and leadership will play a key role in the future development of this young Munster squad,” said Penney.
The IRFU did not release any financial details of the new contract but the union will be fully funding the deal. O’Connell admitted, late last season, that he was tempted to play Top 14 rugby but the 34-year-old now looks set to finish his career with his home province.
Barkley was always a tramp
Barkley was right. LeBron already has the highest paid team in the league. If he wants to complain about not having a backup point guard he should go to the boardroom, not the media.
Bringing Barkley’s past into it is a cheapshot aimed at deflecting from Barkley’s argument. I respect LeBron as a player but going public was a dumb move, just as ‘the decision’ was.
The decision worked out pretty well for him in fairness
The decision itself was a good one. The live broadcast announcing the decision was a mistake, and judging by how he announced his return to Cleveland I think LeBron knows it.
One only has to look at the warriors to understand why lebron is freaking out. Cavs sneak by in a finals series that could easily have gone the other way, and then the warriors go and add Durant! Can’t see the cavs competing with this years warriors team.
Lebron as usual will give it a 110%, be the best player in the series, and then get criticized for been overrun by a superior team.
Another know all pundit. If he knew all he thinks he knew he’d be a coach.
Lebron has Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, The highest paid roster in the league and they just brought in a great shooter in Kyle Korver. Shut the “f” up and play the game. Stop being a whiney little bytch.