After a career spanning 14 mammoth years Paul O’Connell has announced his retirement from professional rugby.
The talismanic lock has been forced to hang up his boots on medical advice after failing to recover from the hamstring injury which forced him off during Ireland’s Rugby World Cup win over France last year. And that proved to be the his last action on a rugby field, with a final swansong at European champions RC Toulon ended before he could make a single appearance.
Rugby’s great and good have reacted to O’Connell’s retiement on social media, with old team mates and adversaries alike paying tribute to arguably Ireland’s greatest ever player.
Paul O’Connell has announced his retirement from rugby. #ThanksPaulie for a magnificent & trailblazing career! pic.twitter.com/C1yxiWU4uA
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) February 9, 2016
Pity that Paul O'Connell didn't get to chose his exit from playing but fitting he finished in Green competing & leading as always #Legend
— Bernard Jackman (@bernardjackman) February 9, 2016
Chapeau to @Paul_OConnell on an outstanding career and for being an equally good bloke.
— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) February 9, 2016
Chapeau to @Paul_OConnell on an outstanding career and for being an equally good bloke.
— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) February 9, 2016
.@Paul_OConnell time to enjoy a well earned glass of in the sun @RCTofficiel
— Gordon D'Arcy (@Gordonwdarcy) February 9, 2016
Really disappointing to see @Paul_OConnell having to retire. Sensational career in Red & Green. Simply irreplaceable.
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) February 9, 2016
In a statment released by the IRFU, O’Connell said: “It is with deep regret that I have decided to retire from professional rugby following medical advice. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all at Rugby Club Toulonnais for their understanding and support over the past few months.
“Since sustaining the injury at the World Cup I have been fully focused on returning to fitness and starting an exciting new chapter for both myself and my family in Toulon. Unfortunately this will no longer be possible.”
