“Paul Has An Aura About Him, I Always Thought He’d Take To Coaching. He’s A Brilliant Appointment.”

Manic aggression.

Munster coach Graham Rowntree reckons Paul O’Connell is a “brilliant appointment” for Ireland he gets set to return to coaching following some time away from the game.

O’Connell has joined the Ireland national coaching group as forwards coach with Simon Easterby shifting to focus on defence.

Since retiring from playing in 2015, O’Connell has held coaching positions with the Munster Academy, Ireland U20s and Top 14 side Stade Francais.

And Rowntree, who worked with O’Connell with the British and Irish Lions, reckons the legendary has a certain “aura” about him and will bring some much-needed “steel” to Ireland.

“I think Paul has an aura about him, I always thought he’d take to coaching,” Rowntree told us.

“[He] loves a lineout, crikey he loves a lineout.

“He’ll give them a bit of steel [Ireland] and he’ll give them some much valued experience and energy.

“I think he’s a brilliant appointment.”

Ireland open up their 2021 Six Nation campaign with a clash against Wales on Sunday, February 7.

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