THIS week the IRFU announced that Paul O’Connell has signed a new Ireland and Munster contract that will see him remain in Ireland to play his rugby with for a further two seasons until 2014.
O’Connell’s Munster career has seen him win two Heineken Cups, one as captain, as well as two Magners league titles and a Celtic Cup. His senior international career has seen him selected for three Rugby World Cup squads in 2003, 2007 and 2011 and was part of the sides that won five triple crowns, one RBS Six Nations Championship and Ireland’s second ever Grand Slam in 2009. The Young Munster club man has also represented the British & Irish Lions on two tours, to New Zealand in 2006 and as Captain to South Africa in 2011.
Commenting on the announcement Ireland Coach Declan Kidney said, “It is a very strong message when you have a player of Paul’s standing opting to continue playing in Ireland with Munster. Paul has been a very important player and leader for both Ireland and Munster during his career and I am especially pleased that he has come back so strongly after his injury troubles.”
While Munster Coach Tony McGahan added, “I’m of course delighted that Paul has agreed an extension to his contract that sees him remain with Munster for the next two seasons. He’s an integral part of the squad whose influence goes way beyond his on-field performances. He is a leader both on and off the field, a quality recognised by his recent appointment as Irish captain and the perfect role model for those who aspire to play professional rugby.”
The current Munster and Ireland captain (O’Connell) said that he was delighted with the new deal “I have been lucky over the last ten years to play with a team like Munster which has such phenomenal support and I have enjoyed a lot of success during that time. So much has changed since my first games for Munster and Ireland, with Heineken cup and Grand Slam wins, brand new stadiums and having the opportunity to play with so many good players, that it was always a very easy decision to remain in my home province. I am feeling really good both mentally and physically, which in part goes down to how well we are looked after here in Ireland, so I am looking forward to the remainder of this season and beyond and doing all I can to help make Munster and Ireland as successful as possible.”
O’Connell
You can tell a fair bit about a players make up by the way other players speak about them. Damien Varley, someone best placed, (as a hooker) to comment on O’Connell says that playing with the man is “unbelievable”. “It is a massive honour to play under him. He brings such experience to the game. He knows how to win games and his knowledge of the functions and techniques of the lineouts and scrums is second to none. He is an inspirational character both on and off the field, from his preparation to his performances. He expects you to do your job as he does himself” added Varley.
Varley was asked, what happens when you don’t do your job?
(Laughing) We will just say that you would want to do your job…. His high standards go across the board for everyone in Munster and I mean everyone”
Contracts
The news of O’Connell’s contract comes as Munster Rugby begin to tie up the odds and ends on the player and management front. It is a well known fact that Munster Rugby’s head office use the Six Nations period to decide on contract offers and renewals.
Munster coach Tony McGahan, whose contract is up at the end of this season could not be drawn this week on his own future. The Australian native, who joined the Munster set up in 2006, offered “no comment” when asked about his desire to stay in the job.
The former defence coach, turned head coach, admitted that contract talks will be taking place in the coming weeks for a lot of players and staff, but he could not give a definite time frame for the resolution of his own deal.
McGahan, who is hugely popular with the players at the club is expected to stay on, however there may be some shuffling in the deck in terms of support coaches and practices.
IRFU Policy
On the player front, Munster Rugby will be looking to meet with Ulster, Leinster and the IRFU before making any calls on their own squad. The IRFU’s policy on non Irish eligible players, is a matter which the three largest provinces believe needs to be addressed further before any succession plans can be put in place.
Treviso
Munster are in action on the field this week in the RaboDirect Pro 12. The men in red will take on Treviso in Thomond Park on Saturday night at 8.15pm.
The Munster squad named this week sees the return of the Irish internationals who were rested for last week’s defeat to Ulster at Ravenhill. Even with O’Gara, O’Connell and Co returning, Munster are still struggling with injuries. Denis Leamy is in London this week to see a specialist about his hip injury. One which is proving more troublesome that first expected.
Jerry Flannery has been taking some part in training this week, however it is now up to the medical staff at Munster Rugby as to when and where Flannery makes a comeback.
Munster’s 17-33 reversal in Ulster on 30 December ended a three game winning streak. The Munstermen have lost just once at home in the RaboDirect PRO12 since April 2010: 13-17 to Ospreys at Thomond Park on 8 October 2011. Benetton Treviso have won two of their last three encounters in the RaboDirect PRO12, and have won three of their last four matches away from home in the tournament. Munster suffered a first ever loss to an Italian side when they last met Treviso at Stadio Monigo in February.
Munster Squad: Marcus Horan, Stephen Archer, John, Ryan, Wian du Preez, BJ Botha, Damien Varley, Denis Fogarty, Donncha Ryan, Paul O’Connell, Donnacha O’Callaghan, Ian Nagle, Mick O’Driscoll, Peter O’Mahony, Niall Ronan, Billy Holland, Dave O’Callaghan, Paddy Butler, James Coughlan, Denis Hurley, Johne Murphy, Will Chambers, Danny Barnes, Keith Earls, Lifeimi Mafi, Simon Zebo, Ian Keatley, Ronan O’Gara, Duncan Williams, Conor Murray, Tomas O’Leary
Not available due to injury: Tom Gleeson (shoulder); Tommy O’Donnell (knee); Luke O’Dea (ankle); Denis Leamy (hip); Declan Cusack (shoulder); David Wallace (knee); Troy Smith (knee); Felix Jones (foot); Jerry Flannery (calf); Doug Howlett (Achilles); Darragh Hurley (back disc); Mike Sherry (ankle).
