Paul O’Connell: ‘I see little difference between a Limerick rugby player and a player from a Dublin private school’

Paul O'Connell, a legendary figure in Irish rugby, continues to shape the sport's future long after his playing days. His current role as ambassador for the Aldi National Rugby Festival, part of the Play Rugby programme, highlights a commitment to grassroots development.

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The Play Rugby programme which Aldi have been running for 10 years is getting a non-contact form of the game into primary schools.

Speaking from the Aviva Stadium, O'Connell emphasized the program's success in bringing rugby to primary schools, a demographic where the sport traditionally has less traction compared to private secondary schools. The initiative's focus on non-contact forms of the game and its impressive participation numbers, with nearly 130,000 children involved and a notable 46% being girls, underscores its inclusive approach.

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The best player out there is a girl from Ballinasloe.

O'Connell's passion for nurturing young talent is evident, as he singled out a young girl's exceptional skill, encouraging her to join a local club. This dedication to fostering a love for the game from an early age is crucial for the continued growth of rugby in Ireland. Beyond his ambassadorial duties, he remains deeply involved with the national team as forwards coach, preparing for upcoming tours while also maintaining his personal fitness through activities like golf and Padel.

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We finished well, we started poorly.