Paul O’Connell has announced his retirement from rugby. #ThanksPaulie for a magnificent & trailblazing career! pic.twitter.com/C1yxiWU4uA

— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) February 9, 2016

We said it before, we'll say it again. Thanks @Paul_OConnell #ThanksPaulie #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/OTo2F1snBM

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 9, 2016

Something beautiful and fitting the great man retires as a 1 club man .The pride of Limerick and a role model for the rest of the country.🇨🇮

— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) February 9, 2016

Pity that Paul O'Connell didn't get to chose his exit from playing but fitting he finished in Green competing & leading as always #Legend

— Bernard Jackman (@bernardjackman) February 9, 2016

@Paul_OConnell thank you. What a loss to the game but what memories you leave us with.

— Fiona Coghlan (@CoghlanFiona) February 9, 2016

Privileged&honoured to have played w/ @Paul_OConnell.Most inspirational leader/captain I've ever played with&against pic.twitter.com/qUTDSOp1Tl

— jamie heaslip (@jamieheaslip) February 9, 2016

There have been a few epic battles between these two over the years - good luck to @Paul_OConnell in retirement pic.twitter.com/fdStLlyWsr

— Northampton Saints 😇 (@SaintsRugby) February 9, 2016

Honor and a privilege to have played alongside @Paul_OConnell One of the greatest of all time. Enjoy the next journey!

— Johne Murphy (@MurphyJohne) February 9, 2016

Really disappointing to see @Paul_OConnell having to retire. Sensational career in Red & Green. Simply irreplaceable.

— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) February 9, 2016

83 European appearances, 10 tries, 50 points & 2 titles #ThanksPaulie pic.twitter.com/Uwfot9db46

— Investec Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) February 9, 2016

Best of luck @Paul_OConnell in your retirement. Civilian life is great. I should have copped on Saturday when you ordered a fry up #legend👍

— Niall Ronan (@niallronan7) February 9, 2016

Enjoy your retirement, @Paul_OConnell - it's been a privilege #ThanksPaulie pic.twitter.com/ImGFKHt2bR

— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) February 9, 2016

Sad to see @Paul_OConnell retire, but what a legend on and off the field. Pleasure to share the same field with and against him.

— gethin jenkins (@gethinjenkins1) February 9, 2016

Wishing @Paul_OConnell every success in retirement, an amazing leader & inspiration to a generation of future rugby players.

— Gordon D'Arcy (@Gordonwdarcy) February 9, 2016

Chapeau to @Paul_OConnell on an outstanding career and for being an equally good bloke.

— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) February 9, 2016

Good luck @Paul_OConnell with the retirement. Pleasure to play with you, not so much against! Crazy eyes in your team talks! #itsamaul

— Adam Jones (@adamjones3) February 9, 2016

Sad that @Paul_OConnell has been forced to retire. Incredible career and great man. Would still make most teams on 1 leg! #ThanksPaulie

— Rob Henderson (@robhendo13) February 9, 2016

Good luck to @IrishRugby & @Munsterrugby legend @Paul_OConnell in his retirement. A true warrior of the game. pic.twitter.com/aFa9aJ3qmX

— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) February 9, 2016

@Paul_OConnell What a legacy to leave in Munster, Ireland & Lions - One of the Great Int Rugby players and captains. Enjoy the retirement!

— CHUNGOS | SOLD OUT! (@ChungosNFTs) February 9, 2016

Sad news big man! Best wishes in retirement @Paul_OConnell, put the feet up and enjoy! #welldeserved #thankspaulie https://t.co/tPebqHkgUd

— Shane Byrne (@shanebyrneoffic) February 9, 2016