Watch Paulie outtakes: O'Connell never thought he'd last this long

Nine years ago, Paul O’Connell assured the BBC that international careers could no longer last as long as his would do.

In the BBC World News clip, O’Connell tells the interviewer:

"The careers of guys are going to be a lot shorter. You look at guys like Peter Clohessy and Mick Galwey playing til they’re 36, in the front five.

"You just can’t see that happening any more with guys who are playing international rugby year in year out."

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Mind you, the Germans seem to be of the view that Paulie thinks too much. If he goes into punditry, he may even become the new Charlie "Sitting there thinking" Nicholas.

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Where others might keep their distance, Paulie is always willing to get up close and personal with his people.

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And even teething babies are relaxed in his genial company...

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He got on with everyone really, except this big fella...