Paul O'Connell answers Team Europe’s call

For once, Paul O’Connell will not be able to lead by example, but his words to Europe’s Ryder Cup team at Hazeltine National last night were set to be, in the words of captain Darren Clarke, “seriously inspirational”.

Clarke brought the former Munster, Ireland and British & Irish Lions rugby captain to Minneapolis-St Paul last night to deliver a motivational team talk to the 12 members of his team as they prepare to defend Europe’s honour and prevent the United States from winning the Ryder Cup for the first time since 2008.

Whether Rory McIlroy and his team-mates will strike the fear of God into the Americans between Friday and Sunday remains to be seen, but captain Clarke had spotted the potential in bringing in renowned dressing-room motivator O’Connell to stir his players ahead of this most difficult of away games.