George North couldn’t believe what Paul O’Connell did when they first roomed together
- Leinster sign former player on short-term deal to ease injury crisis - April 14, 2026
- Eben Etzebeth’s return ends in disaster after just one game - April 14, 2026
- Another Super Rugby team set to be axed in major blow to the game - April 14, 2026
Roomies.
There’s a certain image that comes to mind when you think of Paul O’Connell.
Serious. Intense. All business.
So when George North first found out he’d be rooming with the Irish legend on the 2013 British & Irish Lions Tour, it’s fair to say he didn’t quite know what to expect.
North was just 21 at the time and admits he was more than a little in awe.
“I don’t know if Paul O’Connell will like me telling this story… but I’m gonna tell it anyway.”
The rooming list had gone up during camp in Cardiff, and North suddenly found himself paired with a player he described as a “legend” and a “hero” of the game.
“I walk in and I see Paulie’s bags on the floor and I’m like wow… I’ve not really spoken to Paul before.”
What followed was a few awkward minutes of overthinking.
“I’m thinking ‘oh my god’ what do I say to this man now… do I stand up and shake his hand? Do I hug him?”
But things took a turn pretty quickly.
While sitting on the bed waiting for his new roommate to emerge, North suddenly heard something coming from the bathroom.
“I can hear him singing a song… in his broad Irish accent.”
Not just any song, either.
“He starts singing Shakira… ‘Hips Don’t Lie’… in the most Irish accent ever.”
At that point, the tension was gone.
“I absolutely burst out laughing… and when he came out I thought, ‘oh, he’s normal.’”
It’s a brilliant reminder that even the most intense competitors in rugby have another side — and sometimes, it involves belting out Shakira in the shower.
