Ireland rugby captain Paul O’Connell’s international career is over

INSPIRATIONAL captain and lock forward for the Ireland rugby team, Paul O’Conell, has been ruled out of the rest of the Rugby World Cup and has now played his last game in the green jersey.

O’Connell tore his hamstring in the game against France on Sunday and an Irish Rugby statement on Monday, October 13 has confirmed the end of the Munster man’s international career:

“Paul O’Connell suffered a significant hamstring injury and will undergo surgery this week. Paul will not play again at Rugby World Cup 2015.”

O’Connell will be 36 next week and he will line up for new club Toulon after a legendary 14-year club career with Munster. 

His international career began with his debut against Wales in 2002 and he has also captained the British and Irish Lions in South Africa in 2009.

France captain, Thierry Dusautoir, called him “a big warrior” after Sunday’s game and he will not be easy to replace as Ireland look to continue their World Cup campaign against Argentina on Sunday, October 18.

The Ireland captain ends his international career with 108 Ireland caps and another seven for the British and Irish Lions.

Upon hearing confirmation of the news today, Brian O’Driscoll, former Ireland teammate and club rival, summed up the player as “One of the greatest leaders and players of them all. Inspirational.”