If it is goodbye Paul, then you’ve left the Thomond faithful with some brilliant memories.
Munster legend Paul O’Connell is set to play his last game at Thomond Park in the famous red jersey when the Ospreys come to Limerick for the Guinness PRO 12 semi-final tomorrow afternoon.
According to reports, it could well be O’Connell’s last game at Thomond Park in Munster colours and potentially his last game for the province if they fail to overcome the Ospreys and qualify for the PRO 12 final on the June Bank Holiday weekend.
O’Connell’s intentions beyond this weekend, however, remain unclear.
The Irish Examiner report that the second-row is likely to retire after the World Cup later this year.
A report in the Irish Independent, meanwhile, suggests that Toulon will step up their efforts to sign O’Connell and will offer him a lucrative two-year deal worth approximately €1.2 million.
The Irish Independent report that Munster will not stand in O’Connell’s way if he does want to move to France, although there are suggestions that they will seek to have a clause inserted in his contract which will not allow O’Connell to play against Munster if they meet in the Champions Cup next season.
O’Connell has consistenly said he will provide official clarification on his future in the summer and has hinted that he is already well on his way to making a decision.
Whatever his intentions, we’ll probably find out from the man himself soon enough.
