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Tue 13 Oct 2015 | 10:00
Paul O'Connell out of Rugby World Cup with hamstring injury

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It's been confirmed that Ireland legend Paul O'Connell will play no further part in this year's Rugby World Cup. The 108 Test capped Munsterman suffered a bad hamstring injury during the 24-9 victory over France on Sunday. He will be replaced in the squad by Mike McCarthy.

The 35-year-old, turning 36 in a week's time, got caught in a ruck during the Pool D decider, and twisted in an awkward way. He will undergo surgery this week, but there is no chance of making it back for the knockouts.

A leader through and through, O'Connell went on three Lions tours, and captained both Munster and Ireland. He won 3 Six Nations Championship titles, including 1 Grand Slam and four Triple Crowns. He went on the 2005, 2009 and 2013 Lions tours, winning the latter.

He played 174 times for Munster, winning two Heineken Cups. He is set to play out his career at Toulon, but they may be dependant on recovery from this latest setback.

We wish him well and join everyone in saying congratulations on a wonderful Test rugby career.

Posted By: Grant Constable

3 Comments

  • stroudos
    12:14 PM 14/10/2015

    Seems remiss not to add the link to "a day in the life of Paul O'Connell" here, as a tribute to the big man:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHc2YwdgIog

    Sad way for a great player to finish his international career. Deserved better.

  • eddie-g
    5:56 PM 13/10/2015

    Didn't deserve to end his Ireland career this way. Fantastic player, fantastic leader, and hope he can make a full recovery and take his place in the Toulon squad.

  • mise
    11:25 AM 13/10/2015

    Immense man, what a career. Also worth mentioning captaining the Lions- not just going there as a player. Hope he recovers and still has a while in Toulon. he deserves the pension!

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