Rugby:Paul O'Connell has signed a new Ireland international contract that will see him play his rugby with Munster for a further two seasons until 2014. He made a try scoring international debut against Wales in Dublin in 2002, having earned his first senior appearance for Munster against Edinburgh in August of the previous year.
Since then he has gone on to win 82 caps for his country and represent Munster on 127 occasions.His Munster career has seen him win two Heineken Cups, one as captain, as well as two Magners league titles and a Celtic Cup.
He has represented Ireland at three Rugby World Cup (2003, 2007, 2011) and was part of the sides that won five triple crowns, one RBS Six Nations Championship and Ireland’s second ever Grand Slam in 2009. He has also represented the British & Irish Lions on two tours, to New Zealand in 2006 and as captain to South Africa in 2011.
Irish coach Declan Kidney admitted: “It is a very strong message when you have a player of Paul’s standing opting to continue playing in Ireland with Munster. Paul has been a very important player and leader for both Ireland and Munster during his career and I am especially pleased that he has come back so strongly after his injury troubles.”
Munster coach Tony McGahan said: “I’m of course delighted that Paul has agreed an extension to his contract that sees him remain with Munster for the next two seasons. He’s an integral part of the squad whose influence goes way beyond his on-field performances. He is a leader both on and off the field, a quality recognised by his recent appointment as Irish captain and the perfect role model for those who aspire to play professional rugby.
O’Connell conceded: “I have been lucky over the last ten years to play with a team like Munster which has such phenomenal support and I have enjoyed a lot of success during that time. So much has changed since my first games for Munster and Ireland, with Heineken cup and Grand Slam wins, brand new stadiums and having the opportunity to play with so many good players, that it was always a very easy decision to remain in my home province.
“I am feeling really good both mentally and physically, which in part goes down to how well we are looked after here in Ireland, so I am looking forward to the remainder of this season and beyond and doing all I can to help make Munster and Ireland as successful as possible.”
O'Connell has been named in an extended Munster squad for the visit of Benetton Treviso to Thomond Park on Saturday (8.15pm), as have the other frontliners given the Festive season off at the behest of the IRFU.
Omitted are Tom Gleeson (shoulder), Tommy O'Donnell (knee) and Denis Leamy (hip).
Munster Squad (v Treviso): Marcus Horan, Stephen Archer, John, Ryan, Wian du Preez, BJ Botha, Damien Varley, Denis Fogarty, Donnacha Ryan, Paul O'Connell, Donncha O'Callaghan, Ian Nagle, Mick O'Driscoll, Peter O'Mahony, Niall Ronan, Billy Holland, Dave O'Callaghan, Paddy Butler, James Coughlan, Denis Hurley, Johne Murphy, Will Chambers, Danny Barnes, Keith Earls, Lifeimi Mafi, Simon Zebo, Ian Keatley, Ronan O'Gara, Duncan Williams, Conor Murray, Tomas O'Leary.
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