This is so wrong on many levels. One of the greatest leaders & players of them all. Inspirational. https://t.co/8blR5e2tJp

— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) October 13, 2015

You always want to finish on your own terms but sport can be cruel!! True leader & inspiration...hope he gets back to play in France #iconic

— Niamh Briggs (@niamhbriggs15) October 13, 2015

Because of the legacy he's helped create & the belief he's instilled in his teammates @Paul_OConnell presence will be felt for years. #Icon

— Aaron Kernan (@AaronKernan) October 13, 2015

A trailblazer for @IrishRugby He gave everything for green #ThanksPaulie https://t.co/FCpz0rlSJJ

— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) October 13, 2015

LEGEND LEAVES THE STAGE @Paul_OConnell's #RWC2015 & glittering test career comes to an end: http://t.co/D73d6uUrWV pic.twitter.com/KKqA0NjoQe

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 13, 2015

Sport for all it's glorious wonder is a bastard sometimes. Sick that one of our greatest ever @Paul_OConnell departs the stage in this way.

— Ryle Nugent (@ryle_nugent) October 13, 2015

Heart just fell again with confirmation that Paul O'Connell's RWC & Ireland career is over. One of a kind. Best of luck in his recovery

— Sinéad Kissane (@sineadkissane) October 13, 2015

I have many many memories of @Paul_OConnell @IrishRugby @Munsterrugby have so much to thank him for, a true legend pic.twitter.com/678mxFTR2G

— Michael Corcoran (@MichaelC_RTE) October 13, 2015