Paul O’Connell: Ireland in good hands

Paul O’Connell believes the return to action of Donnacha Ryan to the Munster pack can reap dividends for his province in the the run-in to the Guinness Pro12 semi- finals and also for Ireland.

The Ireland captain, capped 101 times at lock, is currently weighing his options about whether to retire after the 2015 World Cup this autumn or continue through to the end of his contract in June 2016. Yet he believes when the time does come to hang up his boots, both the Munster and Irish second rows he has served with distinction for 13 seasons will be in safe hands.

“I think second-row in Ireland is in a great position,” adidas ambassador O’Connell said. “It’s been great in recent weeks in Munster to see Donnacha Ryan come back, he’s a great player with a phenomenal engine and I did fitness training with him yesterday and it’s hard to believe he didn’t run for 10-12 months. He’s in incredible condition.