Paul O'Connell

Biography

Paul O'Connell has been named captain for the 2009 British and Irish Lions Tour of South Africa. At 6ft 6in tall this talismanic second row forward will lead by example on tour.

Limerick born O'Connell made his test debut for Ireland againt Wales in 2002 where he scored a try. After success in previous seasons the powerful O'Connell was named in the British and Irish Lions Squad for the Tour of New Zealand in 2005, after his selection many compared him to the monumental England Lock Martin Johnson. O'Connell played every minute of the 3 Tests against the All Blacks. However poor displays up front were a mark of a dissapointing tour overall as the Lions were brushed aside in all 3 Test Matches.

Other accolades in his career include his nomination for the IRB player of the year in 2006, won by All Black Richie McCaw. However O'Connell was the only northern hemisphere to be nominated.

He also helped his club side Munster to victory in the Heinekin Cup in 2008 and played a huge part in Ireland's historic Grand Slam in this years Six Nations.

On his day he is undoubtably one of the best second row forwards ever to grace the field of play. He is a truly awesome jumper in the line-out and will punish the opposition in open play. Hopefully these characteristics shown by this years British and Irish Lions captain can steer them to a triumphant tour of South Africa.

Tour History