Poignant words from Paul O’Connell ahead of his final tournament as an Irish player
Irish rugby stars and Three ambassadors, Johnny Sexton, Robbie Henshaw and Paul O’Connell talk Joe’s plan, knowing their role inside out and the privilege of playing with Paul in the third of the three-part #AllitTakes series released by Three, proud sponsor of the Irish rugby team.
Recorded in September prior to the tournament, O’Connell reflects on his career claiming “I never thought I’d go on such a brilliant journey”, a point now all the more poignant in light of last week’s events. O’Connell admits to being a little jealous of this “incredible journey” that is now ahead of Robbie Henshaw and all it takes to get the best out of yourself.
Ahead of the next stage of the tournament and the challenge that faces the Irish team, O’Connell says “the team’s in a good place” and talks about having faith in Joe Schmidt and whatever they do as a team, Joe “has it really well thought out and he has a very good plan in place”. O’Connell pays tribute to Schmidt’s planning and how every player knows their role on the pitch.
Sexton goes on to heap praise on the less experienced Henshaw referring to him as world class “and all he has to do is just keep doing what he’s doing”. Referring to Sexton’s knowledge of not just his own role but everyone else’s as well, O’Connell quips “with Joe and Joe’s son Johnny around the place it’s very intense.”
Sexton describing his Captain as “probably the most special guy to have played with” is high praise indeed given the calibre of player Sexton has played with in his career. While claiming he will miss him, Johnny Sexton added he won’t miss arguing with O’Connell to which O’Connell responds “Johnny, you’d argue with your shadow”.
In a touching moment, Sexton tells O’Connell it’s been a privilege to play under him and how it will be strange with someone else as captain.
Fans can catch the short film and join the conversation on three.ie,www.facebook.com/3Ireland or @ThreeIreland
