Ireland icon O’Connell joins Stade Francais coaching staff

Former British and Irish Lions captain Paul O’Connell will take his first steps in senior coaching in Top 14 with Stade Francais.

O’Connell has joined Heyneke Meyer’s staff as the forwards coach on a two-year contract, having previously been an assistant to Noel McNamara in Ireland’s Under-20 set-up.

The 38-year-old former lock earned 108 caps for Ireland and featured in seven Tests across three tours with the Lions.

O’Connell left Munster for Toulon after the 2015 Rugby World Cup but failed to make an appearance due to a hamstring injury that forced his retirement.

He said in a statement: “I am really happy to join Paris and to be able to work at this great club alongside Heyneke Meyer.”

Meyer is excited to have added someone of the calibre of the former Munster and Ireland skipper to his backroom staff.

“I am really pleased to welcome Paul to the Stade Francais family,” said Meyer.

“Paul will bring his value and experience to our coaching team through his proven leadership abilities and his tactical and technical skills.

“This is a major asset for the club and it shows the ambition of Stade Francais.”

After coming close to relegation in 2017-18, Stade have invested heavily in their playing squad by signing the likes of Yoann Maestri, Gael Fickou and Nicolas Sanchez.

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