Schmidt: No grudge over O’Connell kick

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt does not think his comments about Paul O’Connell last season will impact on the pair’s relationship in the national set-up.

The then Leinster head coach was highly critical of the Munster legend’s accidental kick which left winger David Kearney with concussion when the provinces clashed in the Rabo Direct Pro 12 at Thomond Park in April.

“All those matters are closed,” said Schmidt on RTÉ Radio 1 yesterday. “You’ve got to represent who you are coaching at the time.