Simon Lewis: Munster's loss is Ireland's gain as Paul O'Connell joins coaching ticket

When O’Connell, 41, stepped away from his coaching job with Stade Francais under Heynecke Meyer at the end of 2018-19, it appeared the former Irish captain was at something of a career crossroads

Former skipper Paul O’Connell becomes Ireland’s forwards coach. His playing career ended when he suffered a hamstring injury in the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Picture: David Davies/PA Wire

It may not have been the homecoming many in Munster might have expected as Paul O’Connell’s next move up the coaching ladder but his home province’s loss is Ireland’s gain.

Thursday’s appointment of the legendary former lock as Ireland’s forwards coach is one the whole of Irish rugby should applaud.