Paul O'Connell
State 29 May 2011 National October 11, 2011
Paul O'Connell ( born October 20, 1979 in Limerick ) is an Irish rugby union player who plays in the second row. He is active for the Irish national team and Munster.
O'Connell made his debut for Ireland against Wales in the Six Nations in 2002, scoring a try. He belonged to the Irish squad for the 2003 World Cup and the Six Nations in 2004, where he represented in the game against France Brian O'Driscoll as captain. He was nominated for the tour of the British and Irish Lions in 2005 and played in all three official test matches over the full 80 minutes, except for a 10 - minute penalty.
After a long injury break, he played a major role in the finals Munsters in the Heineken Cup. In addition, with Ireland, he managed the Triple Crown in the Six Nations, where he again ran aground against France and Scotland as captain. Due to his strong performances he was now considered one of the best second- row players in the world.
In November 2006, O'Connell was the only nominee from the northern hemisphere player of the year. Next to him, Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Chris Latham and Fourie du Preez was a choice. The International Rugby Board ultimately opted for McCaw.
O'Connell scored the last try in the Lansdowne Road stadium, which is being completely rebuilt since 2007 and is transformed into a pure -seater stadium. With the Six Nations 2007 he was elected to the historical 43:13 victory of the Irish over England due to a superior performance for players of the day. He had caught several alley objections of the British and secured the defense of Ireland with numerous successful tackles, but also acted as impellers of the offensive. His unbroken will and use his leadership skills make him one of the idols in modern Irish rugby.
With the Six Nations 2009, the Irish reached after 1948 the second Grand Slam, O'Connell stood in all games in the starting lineup. Ian McGeechan nominated him as captain for the tour of the British and Irish Lions to South Africa.
In his youth, O'Connell was a famous swimmer before he opted for Rugby Union.