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# Paul O'Connell

Last month
September 2023
Over-training, wrong hotel, reinventing the wheel - POC's World Cup lessons
The Ireland forwards coach is confident the current squad are in a good place.
This year
2023
Pre-season with Paul O'Connell: 'It’s a progression from the way we used to do things'
The Ireland forwards coach is involved in a pre-season camp with Andy Farrell’s squad for this first time.
O'Connell: Sexton ban could be 'silver lining' for Ireland
Ireland forwards coach Paul O’Connell is confident Johnny Sexton can hit the ground running at the World Cup.
'I wouldn’t have really looked up to anybody in rugby. Nadal was my idol' - Baird
Ryan Baird on working with Paul O’Connell and a summer trip to Wimbledon.
Ringrose and Lowe sit out Ireland training but hopeful for Scotland game
Stuart McCloskey and Cian Healy trained away from the rest of the squad.
Last year
2022
Wallabies lock Skelton benefits from ROG influence in France
La Rochelle had a visit from Ireland forwards coach Paul O’Connell during the summer.
Immense performance from POC's Irish forwards at heart of win over Boks
The maul was the key battleground in an absorbing Test in Dublin.
Paul O'Connell has transformed the Irish pack, but today is their biggest test yet
The former Munster and Ireland lock has made a major impact since joining Andy Farrell’s coaching team last year.
'We’re very confident about Stuart' - O'Connell backs McCloskey to step up against Springboks
The Ulster centre comes into the Ireland team after Robbie Henshaw dropped out with a hamstring issue.
O'Connell: Back in my time, we didn't have many guys with these athletic profiles
Paul O’Connell says he has been ‘blown away’ by the standard and attitude of the players in the Emerging Ireland squad.
'I don't know how Paul O'Connell knew who I was. He just said, 'Howiya, Matt?''
Clontarf captain Matt D’Arcy had a stint in the pro game with Munster.
Tomorrow is a huge day for Paul O'Connell and his Irish forwards
Scrum coach John Fogarty and his pack also need to show they have found solutions.
'Targeting' and ending contests early - POC pushes Ireland's LQB at the ruck
The breakdown battle will be as crucial as ever at Twickenham this weekend.
'One of the big things I’ve noticed about Irish players, they’re so conscientious about getting better'
Ireland forwards coach Paul O’Connell is currently helping the squad prepare for a 12 March date with England at Twickenham.
Paul O'Connell: 'We are very happy with what we have behind Andrew Porter'
Andrew Porter has been ruled out of the remainder of this year’s Championship but Paul O’Connell is not fretting over his absence.
'I’m getting a shot, we’ll see how it goes' - Remembering Paul O'Connell's Ireland debut
Twenty years ago, a young Paul O’Connell won his first Test cap in a Six Nations clash with Wales at Lansdowne Road.
All time
'To be fair, when he's in that position it's 90% him and 10% the lifter'
Rónan Kelleher was impressive at hooker during Ireland’s superb November Test series.
Paul O'Connell's influence continues to grow as Ireland's pack dominates
The former Munster and Ireland lock has made a big impact since joining in January.
'He's had a real impact' - O'Connell's influence paying off for Ryan
The Ireland lock is in good form after a difficult season last year.
'I loved my time here and really enjoyed working with Paul in particular'
New Zealand forwards coach John Plumtree was with Ireland for the 2013/14 season.
O'Connell excited by 'dynamic' Ireland pack as coaching journey continues
This time a year ago, O’Connell wasn’t keen on being in involved in the professional game.
Ireland's XV includes 12 players who came through the Leinster academy
The three other starters are natives of New Zealand.
'The whole Pro14 Rainbow Cup has turned into a mishmash competition'
Former Wales captain Sam Warburton thinks the Pro14 is making too many changes.
Paul O'Connell says Owen Farrell is 'real standout' to lead Lions in South Africa
The Ireland forwards coach was at the helm for the Lions’ last series against the Springboks in 2009.
O'Connell the perfect fit for Lions if Gatland is going to add 'extra resource'
The Lions head coach said they ‘may bring someone else in a little bit later on.’
Ulster determined to 'take step forward' insists Rob Herring
Ulster face Quins at The Stoop on Sunday.
England wary of O'Connell influence ahead of lineout battle with Ireland
Ireland have made 14 lineout steals so far in this championship.
Paul O'Connell's stock continues to rise as Scotland's lineout crumbles
James Ryan led the onslaught in what was perhaps the most crucial area of the game.
'He's really lifted everyone up' - O'Connell keeping Ireland's standards in check
Iain Henderson says the Ireland squad have benefitted from having a fresh pair of eyes in the coaching team.
'He was obsessed with the breakdown, particularly when he got involved with Schmidt'
Speaking on The42 Rugby Weekly, Mike Sherry and Bernard Jackman detailed what Paul O’Connell will bring to Ireland.
O'Connell the coach looks to move past 'aura' of his playing career
Ireland forwards coach Paul O’Connell hopes Andy Farrell’s squad will see beyond any preconceived notions of him.
'I felt I could immediately offer value to the coaching staff and the players'
New Ireland forwards coach Paul O’Connell says he was surprised to be offered the job by Andy Farrell.
'Paul O'Connell has an aura, a presence - he's a world class operator'
Munster and Ireland prop Dave Kilcoyne has outlined the impact the former Lions captain has had in Ireland camp.
How Paul O'Connell might go about resolving Ireland's lineout issues
‘I know the Stade Francais players who worked with him — the forwards — thought he was world-class,’ said Bernard Jackman of O’Connell on The42 Rugby Weekly.
Paul O'Connell joins Ireland set-up as forwards coach
‘I am really looking forward to working with Andy (Farrell) and the rest of the coaching group’, said the Irish legend.
'A lot of similarities to Paulie': Earls hails diligent new skipper
James Ryan’s presence is being felt through the Ireland squad.
Pro coaching 'too full-on' for O'Connell as he enjoys watching Ireland change
The 41-year-old isn’t looking to get back into the game in a permanent coacing role.
'It's great to see Munster being brave and selecting some of the younger guys'
Paul O’Connell has been impressed by the likes of Ben Healy and John Hodnett.
'He can do it all' - O'Connell backs Dan Leavy as a Lions bolter
The 26-year-old made his return from injury for Leinster last weekend.
'It was tough leaving Leinster but it was definitely the right decision'
Jordi Murphy has signed a new two-contract to keep him at Ulster until 2022 at least.