Bakkies Botha urges Paul O’Connell to relax at Toulon

Bakkies Botha has told Paul O’Connell his move to Toulon could extend the Ireland captain’s career by up to four years — if he relaxes and learns to enjoy his time in France.

O’Connell will join the triple European champions on a two-year deal after the Rugby World Cup, bringing down the curtain on a glorious 14-year career with Munster.

He will replace the retiring Botha at the Stade Mayol, and the South African legend says his former club could not have found a better man to take his place in the Toulon second row next season.