We value your privacy

We and our partners store and/or access information on a device, such as cookies and process personal data, such as unique identifiers and standard information sent by a device for personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, and audience insights, as well as to develop and improve products.

With your permission we and our partners may use precise geolocation. You may click to consent to our and our partners’ processing as described above. Please note that some processing of your personal data may not require your consent, but you have a right to object to such processing.

More Options

Thu 11 Feb 2016 | 12:46
Paul O'Connell Retirement Tributes from the British & Irish Lions

3
Comments

Paul O'Connell: Lions legend

"Live up to the jersey" #ThanksPaulie

Posted by Official Lions Rugby on Tuesday, February 9, 2016

This week's announcement of Paul O'Connell's retirement from all forms of the game has led to a number of tributes being shared. The Munster and Ireland lock is generally considered one of the greatest, and most inspirational, to play the game, so the plaudits have been plentiful.

Above is a great video that the British & Irish Lions posted, showing some of his finer moments off the pitch, including some great words and typically courageous motivation.

Now 36 and having had to give up playing for Toulon, whom he had already signed for before injury, POC was known to be the life and soul whenever on tour, as this video below shows

Paul O'Connell: life and soul of the Tour!

Paul O'Connell: indomitable on the field, the life and soul of the Tour off it...! #ThanksPaulie

Posted by Official Lions Rugby on Tuesday, February 9, 2016

There was of course that famous prematch speech in 2007 before a Test against France too:

Full video here>>

We wish him all the best in his retirement from the sport, and recovery from that hamstring injury.

Posted By: Grant Constable

3 Comments

  • stroudos
    10:43 PM 12/02/2016

    Day in the life of Paul O'Connell is conspicuous by its absence in this tribute...

  • danknapp
    5:55 PM 12/02/2016

    He is an awesome player, one I was always happy to cheer on (when he wasn't playing against England). I'm sure he has a very successful career in coaching ahead of him.

  • 10stonenumber10
    9:08 PM 11/02/2016

    Thanks Paul.
    Definition of a warrior.


    (P.S. my 78yr old nan fancies you)

Related Articles