The news we were all dreading.
Munster have just confirmed that as expected, the iconic and legendary second-row Paul O’Connell will be leaving the province.
In a joint statement with the IRFU, it was also announced that O’Connell will retire from international rugby at the end of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
In an incredible career with the province, O’Connell has represented Munster on 178 occasions, the last being the recent defeat to Glasgow Warriors in the Guinness Pro12 final.
At Munster, he won two European Cups (2006, 2008), three League titles (2003, 2009, 2011) and a Celtic Cup in 2005 in a golden era for the province.
On the international scene, O’Connell has so far won 101 caps for his country and was an instrumental figure in the Grand Slam (2009), two RBS 6 Nations championship titles (2014, 2015) and claimed four Triple Crowns (2004, 2006, 2007, 2009).
O’Connell released a brief statement saying, ” “I would like to thank Munster Rugby and the IRFU for releasing me from my contract at the end of the Rugby World Cup. I have been hugely fortunate to play with one of the greatest sporting organisations in the world – and as a proud Limerick, Munster and Irishman, I will forever treasure my association with Munster Rugby.
After the World Cup I would like to experience new environments, and it is my genuine hope and ambition that I will have some future involvement with Munster and Irish Rugby.
“I would also like to thank all Munster and Irish Rugby fans for their support and I look forward to them showing why they are regarded as the best supporters in world rugby as Ireland travel to the Rugby World Cup in England in September.”
We al knew that this day was coming but it still doesn’t make the news any less sad. This being said, here’s hoping that Paulie will once again play a massive role in the Irish team as we take on France, Italy and more at this years World Cup.
