“A Leader, A Warrior, A Gentleman” – IRFU Confirms Paul O’Connell Will Miss The Rest Of The World Cup

Thanks for everything Paulie. There was some more bad news from the Irish rugby camp today as it was confirmed that Paul O’Connell has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup. Paul in action against Italy. The legendary Irish captain sustained a torn hamstring on Sunday in Ireland’s clash against France and will reportedly undergo surgery this week.

A leader, a warrior, a gentleman - @Paul_OConnell has played his last for Ireland. #ShoulderToShoulder #RWC2015 pic.twitter.com/xNmt6YqIpX

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 13, 2015

News: @Paul_OConnell to undergo surgery this week.#ShoulderTo http://t.co/ckyWabWsah pic.twitter.com/S2Oh6lPaxI — Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 13, 2015

O’Connell has been capped 108 times for Ireland, and has helped the boys in green to four Triple Crowns, three Six Nations championships and a Grand Slam down through the years. Fans have been paying tribute to the Irish hero on social media since the news broke.

Thank You @Paul_OConnell #TheGreatest pic.twitter.com/in22ma4WbJ

— J.J Thoroughbreds (@jjthoroughbreds) October 13, 2015

Paul O'connell ruled out of Rugby World Cup....said news for Irish fans. — Sibusiso Mankwali (@sbu_zn) October 13, 2015

@Paul_OConnell gutted for you bud. Get well soon

— SaintConor (@GogleddIwerddon) October 13, 2015

Absolutely gutted for Paul O'Connell. One of the best second rows to have played the game. #RWC2015 #Ireland — Alex Littlefield (@A_Littlefield) October 13, 2015

To say I'm gutted about a @Paul_OConnell ending his glittering career in this way is an understatement. He will forever be remembered (1/2)

— Gary-Matthew O'Toole (@SealTeam_Shels) October 13, 2015

Thank you for everything Paul O'Connell. My all time favourite Irish rugby player. #legend #leader #damniceguy — Deirdre Farrelly (@Farrellydee) October 13, 2015

This is so wrong on many levels. One of the greatest leaders & players of them all. Inspirational. https://t.co/8blR5e2tJp

— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) October 13, 2015

The IRFU confirmed this morning that Mike McCarthy has been called up as his replacement.

Squad Update: @mikemccarthy6 called up to #RWC2015 squad in place of @Paul_OConnell #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/QI46KrJ9yl

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 13, 2015