Skipper feels like going on for years

JUST hours after signing a new two-year deal that should see him playing top class rugby to the age 34, Munster, Irish and Lions talisman Paul O’Connell has not ruled out a further extension to his contract.

For now, O’Connell has committed to Munster and Ireland until the end of the 2013/14 season, but he doesn’t want it to end there and remains firm in his view he will see out his career in Ireland. Having been given a new lease of life after injury and illness over the last couple of years, he believes be might extend his career even further.

His last contract? “I don’t know, I think a few years ago I probably would have thought it would have been, but certainly not now. My body feels in great nick, I’m being very well looked after here by the fitness staff, Bryce Cavanagh in particular. It’s great to get a proper pre-season under my belt this year, get a good run of games — high-intensity games — injury free and it’s left me in good shape.”

The coming months will be busy and filled with responsibility for O’Connell, who will skipper both the Munster and Irish sides through a series of high profile matches. But he enters that spell with endorsements ringing in his ears, from fellow players, coaches and administrators.

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne described O’Connell as a prime example of the governing body’s success in keeping top Irish players at home. “He has done so much to contribute to the success of the Munster and Ireland teams during his career and is a shining example for younger players.”

Ireland coach Declan Kidney added: “It is a very strong message when you have a player of Paul’s standing opting to continue to play in Ireland with Munster.”

Tony McGahan, the Munster coach, was also delighted.

“That Paul has been chosen to lead Ireland in the upcoming Six Nations reflects on his leadership capabilities, but it is his constant desire to become a better player whilst improving those around him that makes him such a powerful and valuable member of the Munster squad.”

Munster hooker Damian Varley counts himself amongst that group to have benefited from that influence.

He said: “He has been immense at every level. He is unbelievable to play alongside; he brings such experience, knowledge and is an inspirational character.”

O’Connell, meanwhile, indicated the extension of his contract was a no-brainer for him.

He admitted: “It was done and dusted fairly quickly. I didn’t really want to leave, so I was happy enough to get it done and I’m here for another two years, which is great.”

A big part of the reason for signing came down to player management in Ireland, at both national and provincial level. O’Connell said: “Obviously we’re being well managed, we got two weeks off after the World Cup and got two weeks off games in the last two weeks so the body feels very good.

“In fairness to the IRFU, we’re well looked after, there’s no doubt about that. Guys have managed their bodies well, they’ve looked after themselves, and that definitely allows you to perform when you’re older.

“It seems to me guys are playing on a lot older than they would have 10-15 years ago.”