The role will see the former lock act as a mentor to the next generation of Munster players, providing invaluable rugby technical expertise and advice, while guiding them in the areas of rugby development, preparation and best practice.

"Every club in the world would love to have an iconic figure such as Paul O'Connell involved in their set-up,” Munster Rugby CEO Garrett Fitzgerald said. “As a Limerick native and proud Munster and Irishman who has played and led teams for Munster, Ireland and the Lions, we were very eager to secure his services in some capacity.

"An appointment such as this is a further boost to our academy staff and young players, and to the organisation as a whole."

O'Connell returns to the fold in advisory role with @GreencoreGroup Munster Rugby Academy https://t.co/QaUid3hdOR pic.twitter.com/J992TyKGhl

— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) July 11, 2016

O'Connell, who was widely known as an inspirational leader on and off the field over a distinguished 14-year career, represented the province on 178 occasions and won two European Cups (2006, 2008), three League titles (2003, 2009, 2011) and a Celtic Cup (2005).

With Ireland, Paul won a Grand Slam (2009), led his country to two RBS 6 Nations championship titles (2014, 2015) and claimed four Triple Crowns (2004, 2006, 2007, 2009).

A three-time Lions Tourist (2005, 2009, 2013), in 2009 Paul led the British and Irish Lions Tour of South Africa and was a member of the Series winning side in Australia in 2013.