In this mood, there’s no way we’d bet against Paulie.
The horrific hamstring injury suffered at the World Cup might have ended Paul O’Connell’s international career but the Ireland legend is going to go all-out to make sure that’s not his final moment on a rugby field.
O’Connell confirmed this morning that the injury, which required surgery to reattach the tendon to the bone, could mean eight months on the sidelines, effectively ruling the second row out of the first season of his two-year contract with Toulon.
And while he admits he did briefly wonder about the wisdom of going down the lengthy road back to full fitness, the desire to prove himself in French rugby won out.
“I gave it a bit of thought after the injury, do I need this, but I really want to do it,” O’Connell told The Last Word on Today FM.
“The initial plan was to go there after the World Cup and try and really make a difference, but unfortunately that has to change now.
“I’ve already a bit of muscle wastage in my right leg, and a good bit in the rest of my body as well, so the road back is going to be really tough.
“I want to play well while I’m down there. It’ll be tough at 36 to do the rehab from this but once I sat back and thought about it, I realised it’s something I’m really looking forward to.
“My brother says you make the decision and then you get busy to make it the right decision, and that’s what I’m going to do.”
Initially, O’Connell, who also insisted his determination does not extend to a bid to make the Lions squad in 2017, must spend six weeks in a leg brace, and the spell off his feet is going to offer plenty of time to consider a life after his playing career, including a potential future in coaching.
“Coaching is something I’m definitely interested in,” he said, “but I wouldn’t say I’m married to it.
“Looking at some of the coaches I’ve worked with, it’s a tough job. I’ve two kids that are a lot of work at the moment but a lot of fun as well.
“It’s tough to enjoy family life when you are coaching, I’ve just got to decide if it’s for me or not.”
