In Pics: O’Connell Through The Years
4th June 2015 By Munster Rugby
After 14 years with the province, we look back, through pictures, at what was been a memorable and trailblazing career for Paul O’Connell in the red of Munster.
Since his debut for the province against Bath in August 2001 (Brazen Head Trophy), closely followed by his league and European debuts against Edinburgh and Castres respectively, the Young Munster clubman went on to make 178 appearances for his native province.
A natural born leader, having previously played his part in Munster’s 2006 Heineken Cup triumph, O’Connell succeeded Anthony Foley as club captain in July 2007 and went on to become the club’s most successful captain of the professional era. Under his stewardship Munster claimed a second European title in 2008 followed by league titles in 2009 and 2011.
On the international front, the Limerick-man’s reputation is also that of an instinctive and inspirational leader. Long before becoming the national squad captain in 2013, the talismanic second row was one of those that led the charge in four Triple Crown triumphs and one Grand Slam success. Succeeding Brian O’Driscoll as Irish captain, more success would follow under O’Connell’s watch with Ireland securing back to championships in the 2014 and 2015 RBS 6 Nations – the latter campaign also seeing the Munster-man win his 100th Irish cap.
A Lions tourist on three occasions, he captained the side on their tour to South Africa in 2009 and eventually achieved a Series win on the 2013 tour to Australia.
Such a distinguished career has deservedly been marked over the years. In 2006 the 35 year old was nominated for the IRB Word Player of the Year and in the same year was named the IRUPA Player's Player of the Year. Still a force to be reckoned with on the rugby field, in recent weeks O’Connell scooped IRUPA’s ultimate accolade for the second time and was also named the 2015 RBS 6 Nations player of the tournament.
Having confirmed his departure from Munster earlier this week, O’Connell now prepares to lead Ireland in this year’s Rugby World Cup in England in September.
CLICK HERE to view our gallery of Paul O’Connell through the years at Munster.
