Tag Archives: irish rugby

Men of Action: ‘Majestic’ O’Connell Leads Victory Against Harlequins

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There was tough competition for the man of the match during the weekend’s Heineken Cup quarter final, when Munster beat back old rivals the Harlequins. Although the game didn’t see any tries scored, we were all treated to classic, get-stuck-in rugby.

Paul O'Connell in Ireland kit, playing against Argentina

Paul O’Connell in Ireland kit, playing against Argentina

Munster secured a win against the London team with a final score of 18-12. While it was Ronan O’Gara who landed 6 penalties, the might Lions charged into battle under the leadership of a returning Paul O’Connell. And since he first stepped onto the pitch this past Sunday all eyes have been on O’Connell. His effect on the team has been undeniable, with a powerful display of leadership that reminds us of Patrick Sarsfield.

‘He has this empathetic outlook on life – he sees things through other people’s eyes, and he has this understanding that makes everyone feel good to be around him. You couple that with his rugby ability and he is just a really complete man’

He even won praise from the rival Harlequin’s rugby director Conor O’Shea:

‘He was majestic. The whole team was physical but he was the totem that the whole team just rose around. He is arguably one of the greatest second rows, if not the greatest second row, that Ireland has ever produced’

Munster will now head into their 10th semi-final against Clermont Auvergne in Montpellier.

 

Men of Action: ‘Lead By The Way You Play’

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Ireland’s victory at the weekend has got them off to an excellent start in this year’s 6 Nations rugby tournament.

The team played a strong first half in their match against Wales to score a strong victory of 30-22. This has got them team energised as they move forward in the competition. Saturday 2nd February was a good day all round, and was also the return of Brian O’Driscoll to the tournament.

Brian O'Driscoll (photo by Paul Walsh, via Flickr Creative Commons)

Brian O’Driscoll (photo by Paul Walsh, via Flickr Creative Commons)

O’Driscoll was forced to miss last year’s 6 Nations due to injury, which continued to effect him into the autumn tournaments of 2012. This absence meant that he wasn’t in his usual position as team captain on Saturday, which was handed to Jamie Heaslip. But this didn’t mean there was an internal battle for leadership. On the contrary. O’Driscoll displayed some of that ‘no quit’ attitude of The Wild Geese and brought his team values back to the field:

‘The captaincy doesn’t make any difference – I still see myself as a leader in the team and helping Jamie out where I can

‘You don’t play any different if you’re captain. You always try to lead by the way you play’

And O’Driscoll certainly did this. Like The Wild Geese, he is testament to the refusal to quit, transcending injury and circumstance. He helped secure a victory in the second half, scoring his 26th 6 Nations try and was awarded Man of the Match.

Men of Action: Wild Geese Set Sail For The French Rugby Field

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Photo by Darren Johnson via Flickr Creative Commons

Irish rugby star Jonathan Sexton has a new chapter a head of him, which echos the story of The Wild Geese.

The Leinster fly-half will be starting the new season in France, playing for the French Club Racing Metro. He will be the first Irish player to leave his homeland for the continent, and his place on a Top 14 team shows that his skill has been seen from overseas. Although this is a huge opportunity for him, it will be a bittersweet move for his team. His Leinster team mate Rob Kearney thinks that this move is crucial, and could open the door other players to play club rugby in Europe:

‘France is one of the new experiences that players will generally pinpoint in looking for a change. Johnny’s shown a lot of bravery. If it works out really well for him in that he’s enjoying life and playing good rugby while earning more money, people will see that and it will open up a whole new ball park’

The Leinster coach can’t speak highly enough of his star player, but understands that this is a great opportunity for him:

‘I’ve really enjoyed Johnny’s input overt he last few years and he has added tremendous value to the Leinster environment both on and off the field. The offer he has received is exceptional, even by French standards, but I know that it was still tough decision’

Today’s Wild Geese are still being championed by France, something which started back in 1691. France was the first destination The Wild Geese journeyed to, lead by Patrick Sarsfield. But like The Wild Geese, in the face of new opportunities Sexton will not forget Ireland. He will be playing against Wales in the Six Nations this Saturday (2nd February 2013).