GRENOBLE HEAD COACH Bernard Jackman has said that Paul O’Connell is not taking up a coaching role with the French club, but that the former Ireland and Lions captain might give them a hand in training this week.
O’Connell, who is close friends with Grenoble backs coach Mike Prendergast, is in the French Alpine city for the week, combining a family skiing holiday with some rugby.
Jackman said he would love if O’Connell was coming on board as a coach but, contrary to reports, that is not the case.
O’Connell arrived in France yesterday and last night attended Grenoble’s 39-23 win over La Rochelle at Stade des Alpes.
“He only arrived yesterday and went to the match last night,” said Jackman. “If he gets the chance we will see him down the club one of the days and of course we will chat rugby and ideas tactics etc., but unfortunately it’s not anything long term or formal.”
Grenoble will take on Connacht in the quarter-finals of the European Challenge Cup on Saturday week at Stade des Alpes.