Paul O’Connell admitted to the media after Ireland’s win over England that it was probably the last time he would face the Red Rose Brigade at home in a Six Nations clash, per the Irish Independent .
The Lions legend may even hang his boots up altogether after the 2015 World Cup, but he told the press he will make that call after the tournament.
O’Connell has shown only minor signs that his ability to play at the highest level is diminishing with the advance of time, and he could yet eke another campaign out after leading Ireland through the next global showpiece.
In fact, the same newspaper has reported a move to France with Grenoble could be his next chapter:
Former Leinster and Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman is the head coach at the Top-14 club and, more importantly, his former Young Munster and provincial team-mate Mike Prendergast is the skills coach.
There is a contractual impediment rooted in the fact O'Connell has a centralised IRFU deal to the summer of 2016, although this could be short-circuited on the grounds of service rendered.
The giant lock, then, seems still to be a wanted man. He is not the only player still cutting it at the highest level whose birthday cake is starting to get a bit crowded with candles.
Here are five more men who could play on next year.
from Bleacher Report http://ift.tt/1AVsVZt
via IFTTT March 03, 2015 at 07:10AM
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