It starts now.
Paul O’Connell has taken up an offer from Bernard Jackman to coach his forwards at Grenoble for a week.
The former Munster and Ireland lock retired from rugby earlier this year and is feeling out his next steps in the game.
O’Connell is eager to test himself as a coach and, due to his contacts with Jackman and former Munster teammate Mike Prendergast, has sorted out a short-term gig.
The 36-year-old is going to run some drills at give some advice to Grenoble’s multi-national forwards, who include Irish prop Denis Coulson, at their Stade Lesdiguières ground.
The news comes via French broadcaster Canal +, who note O’Connell’s role will be as a ‘freelance member’ of the Top 14 club’s coaching staff.
O’Connell has been linked to the recently advertised Director of Rugby position at Munster.
Interestingly, Jackman began his coaching life at Grenoble as a freelance coach. He reviewed matches from his home in Dublin and sent video coaching tips to the side when they were in Pro D2.
He came on as full-time forwards coach soon after and, from 2013/14 has been head coach at the club.
Grenoble take on La Rochelle in the league this evening. A bonus point win could see them leapfrog that club to eighth in the standings.
SportsJOE has contacted Grenoble for a comment on O’Connell’s reported role and learned that O’Connell may drop in to see Prendergast and some training sessions. He will also partake in a spot of skiing.
Paul O'Connell est à Grenoble à l'invitation de Mike Prendergast https://t.co/xbHvtoZUbs #FCG pic.twitter.com/79bED0ASyo
— FC Grenoble Rugby #AllezFCG (@FCGrugby) March 26, 2016
That hamstring must have healed up nicely.
