Paul O’Connell begins French odyssey

Whatever mystery remained over the end of Paul O’Connell’s rugby career evaporated last night as the Munster icon and Ireland captain signed a one-year deal with three-time European champions Toulon.

The move has been touted for some time and after the IRFU confirmed two weeks ago that he would be released a year early from his provincial contract to, in O’Connell’s own words, “experience new environments” the writing was on the wall.

Yesterday the 35-year-old agreed to a one-year deal with an option of a second after the day began with Midi Olympique speculating that an old shoulder injury could scupper the move and, at the very least, delay any confirmation until after a post-World Cup medical.