The man, the myth, the legend.

For many an Irish fan, the thought of Paul O’Connell joining Ireland’s coaching ticket has always been a dream scenario. But sometimes dreams come true and that was the case when the legendary second-row was named as Ireland’s new forwards coach earlier this month.

O’Connell is one of the most respected men in rugby and given his incredible knowledge of the game it was always hoped that he would step into coaching and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.

He dipped his toes in with the Munster academy, the Irish u20s and even in France with Stade Francais, but the former Lions captain has always been hesitant in terms of committing to a career as a coach.

When he returned to punditry in the Autumn it looked like he had made his decision but it turns out himself and Andy Farrell have kept in close contact for quite some time and now finally the stars have aligned.

“First of all, he has been brought in to add, to be himself, and the obvious thing would be that Paul is going to add to any environment,” Farrell told us today at the Six Nations launch.

“Myself and Paul have a good rugby relationship for many years now. He is someone who I keep in touch with on a regular occasion,”

“We have had him in camp a couple of times and I have always been interested in what his thoughts are and what his next steps are etc. I suppose conversations just keep on [happening] over a period of time and, yeah, the timing is right for now for Paul to come into camp and get ready for this Six Nations.”

Exciting times for Ireland no doubt. We can’t wait to see what kind of difference the former second-row can make.