Paul O'Connell Joins Ireland Camp As Forwards Coach

Thursday, 7 January 2021 11:01

The IRFU have confirmed the move this morning.

Paul O'Connell has joined the Irish coaching team ahead of the Six Nations.

The 108 times capped lock retired back in 2014, gaining experience coaching with the Munster Academy, Ireland Under-20s and Top 14 side Stade Francais.

O'Connell will work with the forwards alongside John Fogarty.

The move will see Simon Easterby switch his focus solely to Ireland's defence.

Speaking about the job, Paul O'Connell told Irish Rugby:

“I am really looking forward to working with Andy and the rest of the coaching group. I worked with Simon as a player and am looking forward to working with him again. It’s an exciting young group of players to be involved with and there are talented forwards coming through across the four provinces that will no doubt be pushing for international selection in the coming months and years.”

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell commented:

“Paul brings a wealth of rugby knowledge with him and as forwards coach he will have responsibility for the forwards including the line-out working alongside John Fogarty. He will also be another strong voice and leader within the group.

“Simon has a real passion for defence and having developed Ireland’s forward play over the past six years with the additional responsibility for the defence over the past 12 months, he will now be able to focus his energy and rugby intellect on this area of our game.

#TeamOfUs

𝗣𝗮𝘂𝗹 𝗢'𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗜𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 🟢

We're delighted to announce that former Ireland captain @Paul_OConnell will join Andy Farrell's coaching team ahead of the #GuinnessSixNations 🙌

Full details ⤵️#ShoulderToShoulder
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) January 7, 2021