Paul O’Connell Has Brilliant Response When Asked About Taking The Munster Job
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Not for me.
Two-time European champions Munster are currently in the market for a new head coach with Johann van Graan set to leave the province at the end of the season to take up a director of rugby role with Premiership side, Bath.
A number of names have been linked with the role, including the likes of Ronan O’Gara, Scott Roberston, Steve Hansen, Mike Prendergast, Decklan Kidney and Jason Holland, with the province also in the market for a backs coach with Stephen Larkham also leaving.
O’Gara has already ruled himself out, having recently signed a contract extension with La Rochelle, and it appears another club legend has ruled himself out too with Paul O’Connell stating he doesn’t feel he is qualified for the role.
O’Connell, who had a brief coaching stint in France with Stade Francais, is currently forwards coach with Ireland but has been in and out of the coaching game since retiring, with limited experience.
Speaking on the 2 Johnnies Podcast, O’Connell used a great analogy to explain why he feels he is not capable of taking the top job at Munster.
“I won’t be doing it,” he said on The 2 Johnnies podcast.
“I wouldn’t be qualified to do it. I was saying the other day, it’s like a guy if you were good at pulling pints being asked to run the bar. They’re two different things.
“I don’t know who will end up doing it. Munster is a very special thing to me. I’d have to feel very right and very qualified to go and do it.
“I just have the most amazing memories with Munster and I’d hate to ever hurt them by getting involved and not doing a good job of it.”