Paul O'Connell reaction: While the selection committee, as is the norm, sprang a couple of surprises when naming their touring party this afternoon there weren't too many gasps among the assembled press corps when Paul O'Connell was confirmed as the new British & Irish Lions captain.
The 29-year-old has played second fiddle to Brian O’Driscoll in the captaincy stakes within the Ireland set-up but once Ian McGeechan signalled his intention to select a pack member to lead from the front the name of O’Connell became impossible to ignore.
Speaking at today’s press conference, O’Connell admitted that the honour bestowed upon him had initially come out of the blue but it was an opportunity he intends to grasp.
“This was never something I aspired to do but to be selected is a great honour,” said the Munster skipper. “It’s a great honour considering the captains that have gone before me, some of them legends of the game.
“Brian (O’Driscoll) gave me a ring the other day after we had spoken to Ian and was great about it. The main thing will be leaning on the experience of the coaches and leaders within the squad.
“The tour to South Africa represents a huge challenge for the touring party as we will be playing against the world champions.
“However, I’m confident we have the talent and attitude to represent the famous shirt to the best of our ability and to be successful.”
O’Connell won three Lions caps against New Zealand in 2005 and was one of only two tourists to play in every minute of each Test, except for a spell in the sin-bin.
Since making a try-scoring debut against Wales in 2002 he has amassed 62 caps and become one of the world rugby’s most respected players.
McGeechan said: “Paul has proved himself with Munster and Ireland. He drives a forward pack with his character and it was important to have that focus in the forwards.
“We need that impetus up front and Paul is a very special character.”
O’Connell was outstanding throughout the Six Nations and was favourite to become Lions captain for much of the tournament.
He was supplanted in the betting by O’Driscoll after the thrilling climax against Wales in Cardiff and support for Ireland’s captain gathered momentum.
It was feared O’Connell may have damaged his chances when he criticised Warren Gatland immediately after Ireland had prevailed at the Millennium Stadium last month.
He told Gatland to keep his ego in check in response to inflammatory comments made by the Wales and Lions assistant coach in the build up to the game.
But far from riling Gatland, O’Connell’s honesty and belligerence may ultimately have convinced McGeechan he is the right person to spearhead the challenge against the physical Springboks.
Gatland said: “I’m very much looking forward to working with a player of Paul’s quality. Best of all is that we’re all in the same team.”
Tommy Bowe revealed his joy at his selection in a statement released by Ospreys.
Thef former Ulster wing said: “It’s fantastic news and after doing the Grand Slam with Ireland pretty much rounds off a great season for me. It’s been a long, tense wait for everybody over the last few months with all the media build-up, but the waiting is over and I’m just thrilled to have made the squad.
"A Lions tour is a pretty special thing, all rugby fans know about the folklore that comes with it, and to be confirmed as part of the 2009 Lions is an incredible feeling. It’s a unique experience, with four countries coming together, but with five Ospreys team-mates as well as 13 other Irishmen, I can’t see it being that difficult for me to blend in.”
British & Irish Lions – previous Irish captains
2005 - New Zealand
Brian O'Driscoll
1983 – New Zealand
Ciaran Fitzgerald
1974 – South Africa
Willie John McBride
1968 – South Africa
Tom Kiernan
1959 – Australia / New Zealand
Ronnie Dawson
1955 – South Africa
Robin Thompson
1950 - Australia / New Zealand
Karl Mullen
1938 – South Africa
Sam Walker
1910 – South Africa
Tommy Smyth
