Paul O’Connell isn’t going to let emotion override his final home game for Ireland.
Ireland’s World Cup warm-up game against Wales this weekend will be the last time we see the legend take to the Aviva pitch as Ireland captain.
After Wales, Joe Schmidt’s men take on England at Twickenham before beginning their World Cup campaign which will be O’Connell’s last tournament in an Ireland jersey.
And after the iconic lock’s final captain’s run at the Aviva, the Munster man took a moment to consider his fondest memories at home and revealed that it’s the more recent years that he cherishes most.
“There’s plenty of them. The England game in 2007 – but that was in Croke Park – winning the Triple Crown game, the first one against Scotland, was an important day. It seems a long time ago now.
“Big November internationals, when we started regularly competing with and beating southern hemisphere teams were important days.
“Particularly this Six Nations where Paddy was able to come in to the dressing room after games with me and hang around.
“I remember Claw doing that with Luke when… when I was young, Claw was old. I”d say those two: we won two big games against France and England and Paddy was in the changing room afterwards were days I really enjoyed.”
