After suffering an injury in the game against France in the Millennium Stadium on Sunday, Paul O'Connell's World Cup has come to an end, and so has his international career with Ireland.
Throughout his time in a green jersey, O'Connell brought the best out of his team-mates, and has become an undoubted legend of Irish rugby.
With the news that he would be retiring from international rugby, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring TD issued a statement praising O'Connell and everything he has done for the sport: "Paul has been a marvellous leader for the Irish rugby team and his contribution to Irish rugby has been immense. He has been an inspirational captain and player for Ireland. He has been one of the supporters’ favourites for many years and has certainly been one of Irish rugby’s greatest ever players.
"This is a sad way for Paul to end his international career and I’m sure he would have loved to play every last minute of Ireland’s journey on this Rugby World Cup. Paul’s injury and his departure from the Irish team is very disappointing news for himself, his team and all Irish rugby supporters, particularly coming so soon after the loss of Peter O’Mahony and Jared Payne from the team.
"But this team is very resilient and I have no doubt that his teammates will continue to give their all in this World Cup and will be encouraged to do so for Paul. Paul has led the team from the front and put his body on the line, as seen in the tremendous victory last weekend".
He also wished him a speedy recovery, and all the best in his continued career in Toulon.
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