Paul O’Connell announces his retirement and Twitter dons a collective black armband

We knew we would never see him in green again, but to never see him truck up a rugby ball full-stop?

Nobody wanted Paul O’Connell’s last act on a rugby field to be the brave rucking that led to a devastating hamstring injury, but the inspirational former Ireland and Munster captain today confirmed his playing days are over.

There will be no swansong in the south of France with Toulon, no more thundering tackles and no more inspirational carries.

Its all over.

Understandably there was much shock, much love and much appreciation on Twitter. From the great and good of the game, to the fans who enjoyed Paulie from afar.

Players and teams show respect

Really disappointing to see @Paul_OConnell having to retire. Sensational career in Red & Green. Simply irreplaceable.

— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) February 9, 2016

.@Paul_OConnell time to enjoy a well earned glass of 🍷 in the sun @RCTofficiel

— Gordon D'Arcy (@Gordonwdarcy) February 9, 2016

https://twitter.com/martynewilliams/status/697003555878785024

Pity that Paul O'Connell didn't get to chose his exit from playing but fitting he finished in Green competing & leading as always #Legend

— Bernard Jackman (@bernardjackman) February 9, 2016

Sad news big man! Best wishes in retirement @Paul_OConnell, put the feet up and enjoy! #welldeserved #thankspaulie https://t.co/tPebqHkgUd

— Shane Byrne (@shanebyrneoffic) February 9, 2016

Sad to hear the great Paul O'Connell has retired from rugby. What a player & person. Huge name to play with or against#truegreat

— Nick Easter (@nick_easter) February 9, 2016

We said it before, we'll say it again. Thanks @Paul_OConnell #ThanksPaulie #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/OTo2F1snBM

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 9, 2016

A genuine Lions legend – thanks for the memories @Paul_OConnell pic.twitter.com/UFpzzVypCy

— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) February 9, 2016

Paul O’Connell has announced his retirement from rugby. #ThanksPaulie for a magnificent & trailblazing career! pic.twitter.com/C1yxiWU4uA

— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) February 9, 2016

Best wishes on your retirement @Paul_OConnell – a @Munsterrugby, @IrishRugby & @lionsofficial legend! pic.twitter.com/KATU43pHc5

— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) February 9, 2016

Best of luck to Paul O’Connell on his final home game for @irishrugby . We’re enjoyed your visits to the Sportsground over the years #ThanksPaulie

A photo posted by Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) on Aug 29, 2015 at 5:51am PDT

https://twitter.com/NoraStapleton/status/697000275094142976https://twitter.com/gloucesterrugby/status/697001082875179008

🍀 Congrats to @Paul_OConnell on a fantastic career at the top of the game! Fearsome opponent! pic.twitter.com/vFNkyPI3qB

— Gloucester Rugby 🍒 (@gloucesterrugby) February 9, 2016

Supporters from across the globe got in the act

Sad to hear @Paul_OConnell is retiring, a legend of a player, leader and a man! Thanks for all the memories! pic.twitter.com/yl1PsykJ7q

— Jim Butler (@redjim83) February 9, 2016

This is the worst pancake Tuesday ever. Say it's not true @Paul_OConnell #pauloconnell #thebest #BeastMode #onemoreyear @JOEdotie @weezah94

— Rob Campbell (@robcampbell10) February 9, 2016

https://twitter.com/JudgeRugby/status/697003591521996800

https://twitter.com/Jimmy_Roberts10/status/696999569859727360

Un grand monsieur @Paul_OConnell https://t.co/m2DGW6ce82

— sylvie sidobre🇺🇦👊 (@ssidobre) February 9, 2016

Sad to hear of @Paul_OConnell retirement from rugby due to injury. Thanks for #inspiring for so long

— Dmitri Wall (@DmitriWall) February 9, 2016

Devastated for @Paul_OConnell, know how keenly he was anticipating playing for Toulon. But will take it in his stride as ever. A true legend

— Alan Owens (@alanowens_limk) February 9, 2016

#ge16 gets interesting as all parties scramble to add Paul O'Connell to the ticket.

— John Moynes (@JohnMoynes) February 9, 2016

The irreplaceable Paul O'Connell has had to retire. Absolute gladiator. Loved him as a Lions fan but hated him as a Wales fan #worldclass

— Matt Davies (@Matthew1Davies) February 9, 2016

The FootballJOE quiz: Were you paying attention? – episode 10