How do you replace Paul O'Connell? That's the giant task that both Ireland and Munster will have to face next year after the Limerick legend was granted a release from his IRFU contract to seek experience playing rugby abroad.
While Ireland are limited to selecting Irish qualified locks in attempting to replace the national captain. Munster have the opportunity to make an overseas signing, and have already signalled their intent to do so.
Munster will rely on Peter O'Mahony to fill the leadership void, while Dave Foley, Billy Holland, Donnacha Ryan, and Donnacha O'Callaghan will still be with the province next year. Anthony Foley has namechecked academy locks Sean McCarthy and John Madigan too, who will be hoping to step up into the
With O'Connell announcing his decision so late in the season, Munster have already missed out on several players who would have been available otherwise. Nevertheless, here are the seven best available options Munster have to sign someone to replace the irreplaceable:
1. Eben Etzebeth
It's not exactly a likely move, but Etzebeth is the best available player. Long rumoured to be signing for Toulon, it doesn't look like that's going to happen anymore - especially if/when Paul O'Connell to France is confirmed. A lot hinges on whether Etzebeth is released from his contract with the Stormers and Western Province, but if that is to happen, Etzebeth is almost certainly going to Toulon.
2. Leone Nakarawa
Learning that Nakarawa hasn't yet signed a new deal with Glasgow is surprising given how good the Fijian has been. He was outstanding in O'Connell's last game for Munster in driving the Warriors to the Pro 12 crown. While he wouldn't be a normal replacement, Nakarawa would be something completely different, allowing the likes of Donnacha Ryan and Peter O'Mahony to take over with the leadership and passion void that will be left.
3. Pieter-Steph du Toit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMXMP0WCQfU
They might play in the same position, but Pieter-Steph du Toit and Paul O'Connell are very different players. O'Connell is experienced and a leader; while du Toit is a young talented bruiser. Probably more suited to playing alongside an O'Connell than replacing him, he's one of the better young second rows out there who still hasn't signed a deal with the Sharks to extend his stay in Durban.
4. Jamie Cudmore
I include Cudmore, partly because it made me laugh, and partly because is sort of makes sense. The more you think about it anyway. Cudmore has played at the top of European rugby for a while now, is used to the physical nature of French rugby, is as experienced as O'Connell, and clearly as passionate.
He'd fit right in Munster as a proper rugby character, and could end up being Munster's Nathan Hines' figure.
5. Mark Chisholm
One of the forgotten Australian locks. The 33 year old and 53 times capped Wallaby has been in France for the last four years, and is available after his club Bayonne were relegated to the Pro D2. There are rumours that Toulon are looking at the Australian, but if O'Connell decides to land there, Chisholm could be free to replace him.
A strong lineout forward who gets through a lot of work, he may not have the presence of O'Connell - but who does?
6. Lood de Jager
Lood or Lodewyk de Jager is another up and coming South African lock. Likely to be the first reserve to Etzebeth and Matfield at the World Cup, at 22 de Jager is in a competition with Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit to be the future of the Springbok second row.
The South African version of Iain Henderson wouldn't be the same skill set as O'Connell, but as before - he's among the best available locks yet to sign a contract for after the World Cup.
7. Jim Hamilton
It's unclear whether the Scottish international is available after he joined Saracens last year - but with Maro Itoje kicking up trees, and England international George Kruis around as well as South Africans Alastair Hargreaves and Micheal Rhodes - there are a surplus of second rows at the Watford club.
Hamilton would bring with him a lot of experience and leadership to Munster that would be missing when O'Connell leaves. He's a short term option, but it could be a good one.
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