‘Inspirational leader’ - players react to losing their captain

Jack McGrath

"It's very sad that the injuries happened. Everyone was a bit down after the game. We've got the quality there with the guys who have come in - the likes of Dev, Iain Henderson and Donnacha Ryan. Coming into the squad a couple of years ago and seeing a guy like that, seeing what he has done, it's amazing to have played with him. He's such a normal bloke as well.

“Really a true warrior. Any time Paul has pulled on the Irish jersey he hasn’t left anything on the pitch. I think it would be a tragedy if we didn’t (push on). As a group that will pull us tighter together.”

Robbie Henshaw

“The first time I met Paulie he was so welcoming to me as one of the youngest players in the squad. Took me under his wing. He would give advice but he wasn’t too intense. He would always switch off and have a bit of craic with you around the dinner table. So I always loved that side of him; that he wasn’t all intense, all work.

“A true inspirational leader and obviously a massive loss. We will have to front up, we have great lads coming in who will have to take over. Any time he spoke he always managed to say the right thing, always something new, you would hear a pin drop. Everything was nailed on perfectly. Peter O’Mahony is another massive loss to our squad but it can drive us on and make us give a little bit more for the boys. It’s a very emotional day for everyone around the world, you can see it on Twitter - a true leader.”

Chris Henry

“It’s a massive loss to lose Paulie and Pete, a vice captain as well, so while relieved the weekend went well but it is very, very sad to lose Paulie in that manner after what he has given to this country and having played for so many years. To not have him not coming out with him at the weekend is tough for him but gutting for all of us.”

Rhys Ruddock

“One of the most inspirational players I’ve played with and one of the most difficult players I’ve played against because he is just non-stop. He is all action, he gives one hundred percent.”

Felipe Contepomi

“I feel really sorry and devastated for Paul. He is a great ambassador for Irish and Munster rugby. Although I haven’t played with him, only against him, but he remains one of those great gentlemen in rugby. If there is one person you wouldn’t retire this way it is him.

“But that’s life. I am sure he will come back stronger. He has another big challenge and I am sure he will come back stronger to play outside his comfort zone in Toulon. It is a huge challenge to go to play in France and he will show everyone that he is at his best when he comes back.

“And maybe he will play in an Ireland jersey again. Or the Lions, you never know.”

Rob Howley – Wales assistant coach

Unbelievable really. I think he was capped back in 2002 and lasted 31 minutes in a game in which Ireland scored 54 points. It was a watershed for Welsh rugby. On the other hand for Ireland they created a world icon. He is a special person first and foremost. He is a lineout exponent that is second to none in the world game and it was a pleasure to work with him on the Lions in 2009 and 2013. He deserves every accolade but first and foremost he is a top guy and a very special person. Irish rugby will miss him and even more so world rugby.