Behind every great team is another. Driving Ireland's Rugby World Cup ambitions is a special management group led by Head Coach Joe Schmidt. The Inpho Sports Photo Agency spent months compiling this brilliant series of images showcasing the character and personality of the backroom team.

Ronan O’Gara explains that Patrick ’Rala’ O’Reilly has been his precious friend and confidante over the past 21 years and he will be a huge loss for the Irish rugby internationals

Paul O’Connell admits it’s an honour to join the "nice little group" of Irish rugby legends who have been capped 100 times for their country.

Ireland got its first two names on the plane to Australia for next summer’s British and Irish Lions tour to Australia yesterday when baggage-master Patrick ‘Rala’ O’Reilly and logistics officer Ger Carmody were named as part of Warren Gatland’s management team.

Munster are in no doubt captain Paul O’Connell will be ready for pre-season training later this month, despite failing to pass fit for Ireland’s summer tour to New Zealand.