ONE OF THE worst kept secrets in rugby is set to be confirmed as early as next week with Paul O’Connell to join European champions Toulon on a two-year deal following the conclusion of the World Cup.
The Irish Times are this morning reporting that although any move still requires IRFU approval, an announcement is expected in due course after French sources revealed a deal had been agreed between all parties.
O’Connell still has a year remaining on his contract at Munster but last week gave the biggest hint yet that his 14-year career at Thomond Park would be coming to an end.
“It probably is,” the 35-year-old said in answer to whether he had played his last game in Limerick following the narrow win over Ospreys.
“I said before that summer will be the time when I make those decisions but that is probably the last time I play for Munster here anyway.”
Last night, Ronan O’Gara said Munster will ‘move on’ following the departure of one of their biggest icons and admitted it was time for his former team-mate ‘to take on another challenge’.
Toulon, who this year became the first side to win three successive European Cups, finished at the summit of the Top 14 and will hope to add domestic silverware to their bulging trophy cabinet when the semi-finals begin next week.
O’Connell will play his final game for the province in Saturday’s Pro12 final against Glasgow Warriors at Kingspan Stadium.
