Paul O'Connell returns to Thomond Park in mentoring role

Munster rugby on Monday confirmed the return of former captain Paul O'Connell to Thomond Park in an advisory role.

The 36-year-old lock, who made 178 appearances for Munster in his 14-year career with the province, will join Munster’s Academy on a part-time stint for 12 months.

The former Ireland and Lions captain will act as a mentor by offering his invaluable rugby technical expertise and advice to the young crop of players at Munster. He will also aid the side in various fields of rugby development.

Munster CEO Garret Fitzgerald while welcoming O'Connell, expressed his confidence in the club benefiting from the new appointment.

"Every club in the world would love to have an iconic figure such as Paul O'Connell involved in their set-up.

“As a Limerick native and proud Munster and Irishman who has played and led teams for Munster, Ireland and the Lions, we were very eager to secure his services in some capacity.

"An appointment such as this is a further boost to our academy staff and young players, and to the organisation as a whole.

“As always we continue to strive for best in class and this latest appointment further highlights our ambitions as we embark on a new chapter for the province, operating from our new high performance centre in UL."