O’Connell aims to bow out in World Cup glory

Paul O’Connell has signalled his ambition to bow out of professional rugby in style — by leading Ireland to victory in next year’s World Cup.

In an interview with Sky Sports News, the veteran lock ruled himself out of playing in the 2017 Lions tour — and hinted he might call it a day after the World Cup.

“I don’t really know how long I can keep on going for — I want to play in the next World Cup and want to be in the best shape as possible. I am still undecided if I will play on after the World Cup,” he said. “It is something that plays on my mind a little bit. I don’t dread the day, but I don’t think it was ever my intention to keep on playing this long. I certainly won’t be putting my hand up for Lions selection in 2017 — I’ll be long gone from the game, believe me.”

The Ireland skipper said he is confident his team have the potential to go all the way and lift the trophy in England next October.

“We certainly have a chance. We have shown that we can beat anyone on our day. We still don’t have the strength in depth of the southern hemisphere nations, so there are certain things that will have to go our way — but I think we have the potential to win a World Cup.”

Speaking of the ‘Schmidt factor’, he continued: “Joe is an excellent coach and an excellent strategist. He is a brilliant communicator too — we are all trying to do the same things on the rugby field, but Joe is able to simplify it and able to get players into the right places on the field where they can use their skillset.

“It is brilliant working with him. Every meeting and every training session we learn something new — and you could almost be jealous that Leinster had him for so long.” However, he warned against complacency adding: “I think we have made really good progress and I think we have put a great foundation in place. But there is not one Six Nations team who have not got better — if they all get better and we don’t, then we will go backwards.”