Paul O’Connell Has Taken Up A Coaching Role

Paul O’Connell has taken up an offer from Bernard Jackman to coach his forwards at Grenoble for a week.

O’Connell is eager to test himself as a coach and will now link up with fellow Irishmen Bernard Jackman and Mike Prendergast in a short-term role. The 36-year-old is going to run some drills at give some advice to Grenoble’s forwards.

The news comes via French broadcaster Canal +, who note O’Connell’s role will be as a ‘freelance member’ of the Top 14 club’s coaching staff. Interestingly, Jackman began his coaching life at Grenoble as a freelance coach. He reviewed matches from his home in Dublin and sent video coaching tips to the side when they were in Pro D2.

He came on as full-time forwards coach soon after and, from 2013/14 has been head coach at the club. Grenoble take on La Rochelle in the league this evening. A bonus point win could see them leapfrog that club to eighth in the standings.