Paul O’Connell adapting to new ways, but old warhorse still hates losing

Even a totemic figure like Paul O’Connell is learning to stand back rather than stand so tall at times

Ireland forwards coach Paul O'Connell watches his players during the warm-up before playing France at the Aviva Stadium. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

There are four heads carved into modern Irish rugby’s Mount Rushmore, and Paul O’Connell’s decision to accept a role with the Ireland forwards means that all of them are still very much in plain sight long after their peaks as players have passed.

Ronan O’Gara is working the oracle at La Rochelle these days after stints with Racing 92 and Crusaders, Brian O’Driscoll is a near-constant presence on our screens and airwaves, while Johnny Sexton remains the national captain and undisputed first-choice 10 at the grand old age of 35.