Thanks Paulie: 'Leader, warrior and gentleman' O'Connell says goodbye
Irish Rugby have confirmed the news Ireland fans were dreading. Captain Paul O’Connell’s World Cup tournament is over, and with it the curtain falls on a 13 year international career.
Supporters feared the worst when O’Connell went down shortly before half-time, clearly in serious pain, in Sunday’s pool match against France.
The medical team were pessimistic about his chances of recovery after the match and have confirmed the news in the last few minutes.
They said: "Paul O'Connell suffered a significant hamstring injury and will undergo surgery this week.
"Paul will not play again at Rugby World Cup 2015 and his time out of the game will depend on the outcome of the surgery."
A leader, a warrior, a gentleman - @Paul_OConnell has played his last for Ireland. #ShoulderToShoulder #RWC2015 pic.twitter.com/xNmt6YqIpX
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 13, 2015
13 years and eight months after making his international debut, O’Connell’s time in a green jersey is at an end.
The giant Limerick man had come to epitomise all that is great about Irish rugby in his 108 cap career and his loss is a terrible blow to the squad and their hopes for the tournament.
In the days to come, Schmidt will refocus his men and no doubt encourage them to do it for Paulie in the remaining games, but a leader of the quality of O’Connell is not easily replaced.
When interviewed in the run up to his hundredth cap in March O’Connell admitted his competitive spirit was what underpinned a 13-year Test career.
Cracking picture of Ireland's Paul O'Connell at the Millennium Stadium ahead of tomorrow's clash with Wales pic.twitter.com/Xk2FRVezMf
— sportsfile (@sportsfile) March 13, 2015
He said experience helped him hone his approach, but conceded his sheer will to win has kept him in the sport.
“I’m very competitive, that would be my biggest strength,” said O’Connell.
“I certainly can’t run over people or unlock defences with my footwork, or whatever, but I’m certainly very competitive.
“I enjoy being part of a team and helping drive teams on, trying to make them successful and trying to get the best out of people. I’ve always enjoyed a leadership role whether I’ve been captain or not.
“It’s part of my personality that’s featured in my rugby for most of my career.
“And that probably has helped sustain my career, it’s never been a chore for me.
“I think that happens to some guys maybe towards the end of their careers, but I’ve always enjoyed it.
O’Connell enjoyed many of his greatest days in a green jersey with fellow legend Brian O’Driscoll, who he now joins in international retirement.
Despite being renowned for his intensity the player also believed in indulging the lighter side of life and showed his sense of fun throughout his career.
He thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to get a rise out of ‘the backs’ as recently as a few weeks ago.
Although they equally enjoyed their revenge.
The Backs go their revenge on @Paul_OConnell today. They didn't go shopping after all pic.twitter.com/gW4iKOtj6g
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) September 24, 2015
The tributes will pour in over the next few hours and days. For now we say Paulie, thanks for the memories.
