Munster Rugby’s Head Coach Anthony Foley last night claimed sensible and wise coaching from an early age to instil proper tackling technique into every player is the solution to the current controversies afflicting the game.

Everyone who had the privilege to interact with Paul O’Connell during his glittering 14-season playing career has a story to tell about the rugby forward who yesterday left the game having made an indelible mark on it as an icon, totem and legend. And each of those personal recollections touch on something very different from the heroic status we have correctly conferred on the man.