One of Munster's favourite sons is coming home, for the time being at least.
Paul O'Connell will take on an advisory role with the Greencore Munster Rugby Academy on a part-time basis for the next year, where the former Munster and Ireland captain will work with the next generation of young players in the province, guiding them in rugby development, preparation and best practice.
O'Connell returns to the fold in advisory role with @GreencoreGroup Munster Rugby Academy https://t.co/QaUid3hdOR pic.twitter.com/J992TyKGhl
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) July 11, 2016
O'Connell retired from rugby following an injury sustained against France in the World Cup last Autumn, nixing a proposed move to French Top 14 club Toulon. The lock did spend some time in France assisting Bernard Jackman in coaching sessions at Grenoble but this move represents his first real venture into rugby coaching.
Speaking of the appointment, Munster Rugby CEO Garrett Fitzgerald said:
Every club in the world would love to have an iconic figure such as Paul O'Connell involved in their set-up. As a Limerick native and proud Munster and Irishman who has played and led teams for Munster, Ireland and the Lions, we were very eager to secure his services in some capacity.
We certainly couldn't let this resource and opportunity go and we are hugely thankful to the Commercial Board for their support in making this a reality.
An appointment such as this is a further boost to our academy staff and young players, and to the organisation as a whole. As always we continue to strive for best in class and this latest appointment further highlights our ambitions as we embark on a new chapter for the province, operating from our new high performance centre in UL.
