Paul O'Connell: The Lions, coaching and a multi-million euro interactive rugby experience in Limerick

Paul O’Connell discusses his coaching journey, the Lions, and a multi-million euro interactive world rugby experience in the heart of Limerick city. He spoke to Christy O’Connor

Chair of the International Rugby Experience, Paul O'Connellpictured at the site of the International Rugby Experience on O'Connell St., Limerick City. The 30,000 sq. ft visitor attraction is now firmly on schedule to open its doors in Autumn 2022 for a global celebration of the game of rugby union. At a cost of €30 million, the project is funded by the JP McManus Charitable Entities, and it is envisaged the centre will attract 100,000 visitors per annum. Picture: Alan Place

When Paul O’Connell joined Stade Francais as forwards coach in 2018, he and his family chose to live in Suresnes in the western suburbs of Paris. It was close to the Stade training ground. It was near the La Défense train station. It was just a coincidence that Suresnes was also the place where Anthony Foley passed away.

O’Connell often thought of Foley when he lived in Suresnes, but his former team-mate has never been far from O’Connell’s thoughts since his death five years ago. “If you are a Munster man, he crosses your mind all the time,” says O’Connell. “I often think about where Axel would he be in his coaching journey now, if he was still alive.