Johann van Graan: O’Connell may link up with Munster ‘when time is right’

Johann van Graan is not giving up hope that Munster legend Paul O’Connell will join his coaching think tank at the province.

O’Connell, 38, became a part of the Ireland U20 team management this week as an assistant to new head coach Noel McNamara and will be retained at least through to the end of the Six Nations.

Incoming Munster head coach van Graan said when he arrived four weeks ago that he would value O’Connell’s input as a former Munster, Ireland and Lions captain with an eye on a coaching career and sat down with the former second-row last week where he expressed those hopes directly.