IN A statement from the IRFU this morning, it has been confirmed that Paul O’Connell will play no further part in the Rugby World Cup, bringing an end to his Ireland career.
“Paul O’Connell suffered a significant hamstring injury and will undergo surgery this week. Paul will not play again at Rugby World Cup 2015 and his time out of the game will depend on the outcome of the surgery.
Mike McCarthy has been called up to the Ireland squad in place of Paul O’Connell. Mike will arrive in Cardiff today”
The former Munster great has just signed a two year contract with French Top14 side Toulon and was to move to France at the end of the World Cup. It is unknown as of yet how long O’Connell will take to recover, or if indeed where his recovery will take place. It is a sad end to an Ireland career which had brought O’Connell three Six Nations championship, one of which was a Grand Slam.
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring TD, has also acknowledged Paul O’Connell’s contribution to Irish Rugby following the confirmation that the lock forward’s Rugby World Cup has ended prematurely and he will retire from international rugby.
Speaking today Minister Ring said: ‘Paul has been a marvellous leader for the Irish rugby team and his contribution to Irish rugby has been immense. He has been an inspirational captain and player for Ireland. He has been one of the supporters’ favourites for many years and has certainly been one of Irish rugby’s greatest ever players. This is a sad way for Paul to end his international career and I’m sure he would have loved to play every last minute of Ireland’s journey on this Rugby World Cup. Paul’s injury and his departure from the Irish team is very disappointing news for himself, his team and all Irish rugby supporters, particularly coming so soon after the loss of Peter O’Mahony and Jared Payne from the team. But this team is very resilient and I have no doubt that his teammates will continue to give their all in this World Cup and will be encouraged to do so for Paul. Paul has led the team from the front and put his body on the line, as seen in the tremendous victory last weekend. While Paul won’t be taking to the field on Sunday against the Argentinians, I am sure his passion and encouragement will be driving the team forward. I want to wish Paul a speedy recovery and I wish him well in his future career with Toulon. I also want to wish Joe and all the team the very best of luck next Sunday. The whole country will be behind them all the way.’
