Paul O'Connell's Stade hammer Paddy Jackson's Perpignan in Top 14 opener

The ex-Ulster out-half scored a try but his side fell to 46-15 home defeat.

Paul O'Connell's Stade hammer Paddy Jackson's Perpignan in Top 14 opener

Paddy Jackson made his Top14 debut this afternoon but his Perpignan side were on the receiving end of a heavy defeat by Stade Francais.

Perpignan are back in the Top14 having been promoted after their first ever relegation four seasons ago.

The ex-Ulster out-half scored a try but his side fell to a 46-15 home defeat.

Former Ireland captain Paul O'Connell was also making his debut in French rugby, having been announced as the new Stade forwards coach earlier this month.

O'Connell

Read More:

The Munster legend said that O'Connell "wants to see is he smitten with coaching.

"It’s eating away at him and he wants to experience it full-time."

O'Gara is of the belief that the French club are lucky to have O'Connell in their backroom team.

"You’re talking about a forward who has an incredible knowledge of all aspects of the game. People associate the ‘fear of God’ with Paulie but that is a complete misconception.

"The guy is highly-intelligent and highly-driven and great craic, which is important too, because if you wanted to go coaching with him you’d want to enjoy his company."

Later today, another Irishman is set to make his Top14 debut.

Simon Zebo is in line to start for Racing 92 - O'Gara's former side - when they take on Toulon.

more courts articles

DUP calls for measures to prevent Northern Ireland from becoming 'magnet' for asylum seekers DUP calls for measures to prevent Northern Ireland from becoming 'magnet' for asylum seekers
UK's Illegal Migration Act should be disapplied in Northern Ireland, judge rules UK's Illegal Migration Act should be disapplied in Northern Ireland, judge rules
Former prisoner given indefinite hospital order for killing Irishman in London Former prisoner given indefinite hospital order for killing Irishman in London

More in this section

John Cooney celebrates after the game with Stuart McCloskey 18/5/2024 Late Cooney penalty pips Leinster, seals Ulster's play-off spot
RUGBYU-FRA-TOP14-LA ROCHELLE-PAU Top 14: La Rochelle rebound against Pau but flaws remain
Tiernan O’Halloran leaves the field after the game 18/5/2024 Connacht Champions Cup hopes fizzle out amid Dexcom farewells
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited