Ireland's veteran warrior Paul O'Connell stands firmly in the way of England and Six Nations glory in Dublin
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Ireland's veteran warrior Paul O'Connell stands firmly in the way of England and Six Nations glory in Dublin
To get past Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Sunday, England have first got to get past Paul O’Connell.
Not so much for what he is as a player, albeit a damn fine second-row forward, but for what he represents.
O’Connell is defiant, unassuming, passionate, resilient and generous.
He gives all of himself first and foremost.
As he has done for the last 13 years, a tour of duty beyond the pale in this era of attritional, body-breaking rugby, forever steadfast, unflinching and ego-free.
Not for O’Connell a Sachin Tendulkar swansong season, retirement confirmed, and a chance t…
Not so much for what he is as a player, albeit a damn fine second-row forward, but for what he represents.
O’Connell is defiant, unassuming, passionate, resilient and generous.
He gives all of himself first and foremost.
As he has done for the last 13 years, a tour of duty beyond the pale in this era of attritional, body-breaking rugby, forever steadfast, unflinching and ego-free.
Not for O’Connell a Sachin Tendulkar swansong season, retirement confirmed, and a chance t…
