TOULON HEAD COACH Bernard Laporte says that persistent interest from the French club eventually made Paul O’Connell decide on a move to the Top14.
Advertisement
James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
In January, the Ireland captain revealed an intention to retire after the World Cup or in 2016, but now has an option for an extra year in his contract with the European champions.
Speaking on Sud Radio this evening, Laporte says the change of heart was down to Toulon’s refusal to give up the chase for the Six Nations’ Player of the Tournament who they had long earmarked to fill the void left by the retiring Ali Williams and Bakkies Botha.
Paul O'Connell wanted to retire, but Toulon just kept calling -- Laporte
TOULON HEAD COACH Bernard Laporte says that persistent interest from the French club eventually made Paul O’Connell decide on a move to the Top14.
In January, the Ireland captain revealed an intention to retire after the World Cup or in 2016, but now has an option for an extra year in his contract with the European champions.
Speaking on Sud Radio this evening, Laporte says the change of heart was down to Toulon’s refusal to give up the chase for the Six Nations’ Player of the Tournament who they had long earmarked to fill the void left by the retiring Ali Williams and Bakkies Botha.
“Paul O’Connell wanted to stop, but we called every week and he finally agreed,” Laporte told the Rugby et Cie show.
“Toulon will be very good for him, to make the transition and provide experience here.
“Toulon will be fine for him to make the transition by bringing his experience here. It is best for both parties, he will bring another dimension.”
Kerry ladies football, UL basketball and now part of Irish rugby’s 7s bid to get to Rio
The Webb Ellis Cup is in Ireland this weekend, here’s where you can gaze upon its glory
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
england 2015 Ireland Paul O'Connell reluctant hero Rugby World Cup Rugby World Cup 2015 rwc15 top14 Toulon