In March, reports in the French media suggested that Paul O'Connell was set for his first coaching role with Grenoble. Though he would indeed spend time with the Top 14 club, it was nothing more than a visit.
He was in the area on a ski trip, former Ireland international Bernard Jackman is the head coach at Grenoble, O'Connell paid a fleeting visit.
Paul O'Connell watched the practice today https://t.co/xbL0tP6fhr #FCG pic.twitter.com/LEd2tLPsho
— FC Grenoble Rugby 🇬🇧 (@FCGrugby_en) March 29, 2016
O'Connell has also visited Harlequins where there is another Irish connection - Conor O'Shea.
According to Ruaidhri O'Connor in today's Irish Independent, O'Connell's first formal foray into coaching will likely be in Ireland. The IRFU have held talks with the former Ireland captain about taking a coaching role. Performace director David Nucifora said ignoring an individual such as O'Connell would be a 'waste'.
If that position turns out to be with a province, of course, it would be a be a major surprise if it's with anyone other than Munster. When Munster announced earlier this year that they would be appointing a Director of Rugby for next season, O'Connell was one of those rumoured for the job. South African Johan Erasmus would eventually be the man chosen.
In April, Ronan O'Gara spoke positively about O'Connell as a future coach, saying that he would be 'exceptional'. He also broached the possibility of him and his ex-Munster teammate working together in the future - though it was all hypothetical.
They’d be crying out for Paulie, but then if Paulie didn’t get the results, they’d be showing him the door. We’re all aware of that. I talk to Paulie, Paulie will be an exceptionally good coach and it’s no secret of the two of ours that we want to team up. It’s about getting the right opportunity.
Apologies to @Paul_OConnell as my comments are almost being interpreted as if I was speaking on both our behalfs which I certainly was not.
— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) April 14, 2016
I was merely expressing a wish for the future such is the esteem I hold for the man.
— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) April 14, 2016
Picture credit: Diarmuid Greene / SPORTSFILE
