MUNSTER AND IRELAND star Paul O’Connell has given the clearest indication yet as to the date of his retirement.
In an interview with TV3 News, O’Connell said he would retire either “after the World Cup, or the summer [of 2016].
“I probably need to make up my mind fairly quickly,” he added. “I’m just trying to enjoy my playing at the moment and trying to be in the best physical condition that I can for the World Cup.”
Finishing his time in the game after a successful World Cup with Ireland would be a fitting end to a distinguished career at the top level, however, O’Connell could yet choose to see out his contract with Munster, which expires in 2016.
“The injuries have taken a bit off my career. There are certain things you can’t do in training. It’s all about listening to the body, but I think I’m in good shape at the moment and I’ll be in good shape at the World Cup.
“It doesn’t mean I’ll keep on playing. It’s a decision I have to make probably in the next few months. But I’m fairly undecided at the moment.”
The 35-year-old lock also suggested Munster would not suffer unduly in his absence.
“We’ve a few fantastic second rows coming through, it’s a position Munster are quite strong in. So when the time comes, I don’t think I’ll be a big loss.”
He added that he was looking forward to this weekend’s Champions Cup clash with Saracens and expressed hope that Munster could still qualify from their group despite suffering some setbacks of late.
“I’m definitely conscious that days like this weekend are going to be few and far between [from now on]. If we can produce a big performance at the weekend, it gives us a great chance of getting out of the group.”
“I won’t be a big loss?” Are you mad? Big Paulie is a legend he would be missed by any side!
cheers paulie!
Ireland’s greatest player ever!!!!
Greatest Second row
Robert, spot on. Without a doubt the greatest second row, possibly ever.
Look up Willie John McBride.
Just to clarify Christiaan means ‘research’.
Oh, and POC is possibly my all time favourite player but the likes of Willie John has every right to mantle, and Paulie might be the first to admit it!
Willie John McBride was a Lions legend and great captain. Nowhere near Paul O’Connell though as a player or Irish international.
You can’t compare the two. One was / is regarded as one of the Amateur era’s all time greatest players, the other is regarded as one of the Professional era’s all time greatest players.
Thank you Robby. Should have said research Willie John McBride and the 1974 Lions. If Paulie captains Ireland to a World cup win then he will have achieved a comparable feat and then to an Ulster fan would be Irelands greatest captain.
If you try looking up Willie John you’re likely to get a 99. Ouch!
Fair play to him,still playing Like he is in his 20s ,what a legend!!!!
Built in the fires of Mordor. They don’t make them like Paulie anymore.
Without doubt Ireland’s greatest !
Haha begod you scholar!
Yeah they’d hardly miss O Connell, said nobody, ever.
There isn’t a team in the world that wouldn’t have been better if they had POC.
No he won’t. He will reveal himself as the true chosen one. He will rise up from the ashes of this broken land, warrior like, dragging us all into a battle with the forces of evil, inexorably leading us to the promised land of Thomond where we will all give thanks. Rejoicing, we will mock all other false deities and with Paulie behind us, use satire to taunt our enemies with viciously witty cartoons.
Damn those mushrooms.
Would question who the second rows coming through are. The A side has seen back rows such as DOC2.0 and Shane Buckley converted in recent games. Donnacha Ryans future is also far from certain. Foley is POCs natural successor but his partner in the second row is less clear. Billy Holland has put in some excellent performances recently but need more options.
any word about D’arcy??
Dave Foley and DOC2.0 would be my pick to take over young guy from Kerry O’Shea looks very good too seen him play in the under 20s
Of who is currently available within the squad it think going forward (fitness permitting)your second row options would be Foley, Ryan, DOC 2.0 and Copeland. Munster have an abundance of back row options so using Copeland as second row cover is something they should already be working on. He has played there and if he covers there from the bench your not wasting a space on Holland….