Mike Catt: Paul O’Connell will add mental toughness and physical intent

Paul O'Connell pictured in 2018 in his then role as Ireland U20 assistant coach. Picture: INPHO/Bryan Keane

Mental toughness and physical intent. Paul O’Connell had plenty of both as a player and Mike Catt believes Ireland’s new forwards coach can instil the same attributes in the 2021 Guinness Six Nations squad.

Andy Farrell’s men kick off this year’s championship against Wales in Cardiff this Sunday with plenty to prove after finishing third behind England and France in both the 2020 Six Nations and Autumn Nations Cup in the head coach’s first 12 months at the helm having stepped up from defence coach to succeed Joe Schmidt.