Ian McGeechan: Paul O’Connell key to Ireland’s World Cup bid

Ian McGeechan has paid tribute to Paul O’Connell and believes Ireland’s skipper could have a decisive impact in his country’s bid to win a first World Cup.

McGeechan appointed O’Connell as his skipper for the British and Irish Lions’ tour of South Africa in 2009 and is effusive in his praise of a man he says is ‘just an outstanding rugby person’.

O’Connell will retire from international rugby after the World Cup to join Toulon on a two-year deal but McGeechan says the 35-year-old still has one major tournament left in him before he departs the Ireland scene.