We knew this news was coming but that doesn’t make it any less distressing.
The IRFU have this morning confirmed that Ireland captain Paul O’Connell’s international career is over, thanks to the awful hamstring injury he suffered in Sunday’s World Cup victory over France that will require surgery.
A leader, a warrior, a gentleman – @Paul_OConnell has played his last for Ireland. #ShoulderToShoulder #RWC2015 pic.twitter.com/xNmt6YqIpX
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 13, 2015
The Munster legend, who has signed a two-year deal to join French giants Toulon after the World Cup, was due to retire after the tournament, but his loss is a huge blow to Ireland’s chances of progressing beyond Sunday’s quarter-final against Argentina.
Jamie Heaslip will likely take over as captain, while O’Connell’s place in the squad will be filled by Leinster second row Mike McCarthy.
Squad Update: @mikemccarthy6 called up to #RWC2015 squad in place of @Paul_OConnell #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/QI46KrJ9yl
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 13, 2015
